The Power of One

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 21 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

"First with your head and then with your heart." So says Hoppie Groenewald, boxing champion, to a seven-year-old boy who dreams of being the welterweight champion of the world. For the young Peekay, it is a piece of advice he will carry with him throughout his life.

Born in a South Africa divided by racism and hatred, this one small boy will come to lead all the tribes of Africa. Through enduring friendships with Hymie and Gideon, Peekay gains the strength he needs to win out. And in a final conflict with his childhood enemy, the Judge, Peekay will fight to the death for justice.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

5 Stars!

Great story, great narration! Loved this book. My first from this author, but am downloading 2 more today.

Brilliant partnership of author and narrator

Where does The Power of One rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely one of my top ten

What did you like best about this story?

I was born in South Africa, and lived there for 35 years, so I could appreciate the language, the humor, and sadly, the immense cruelty of the time.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I first heard Humphrey Bower after listening to Shantaram, and he was brilliant. I had read The Power of One many years ago, and decided to download the audible version. I was not disappointed. Bower brought Peekay and the Professor to life, and the story had a depth that I did not experience when reading it. I immediately downloaded Tandia which is a continuation of Peekay's story, and can't wait to start that.
You may want to consider acquiring another book by the same author called "Whitethorn". If is is read by Humphrey Bower, I know it will make a great listen

If you could rename The Power of One, what would you call it?

It's the perfect title

Gripping storytelling

Bryce Courtenay guides the reader through the oft-horrifying, yet enchanted childhood and youth of Peekay, drawing heavily on his own experience but branching well into the realm of the imaginary. It is a vivid tour through the South Africa of the 1930s-1950s, brought to life by a dazzling array of characters, many brutal and despicable (the older bully at his boarding school, several guards at the prison where he learns to box), others cunning and colorful (his prisoner boxing coach and his best prep school pal), and some, not least Peekay himself, brilliant and heroic. Courtenay paints a vivid and entertaining picture of the many places and social milieux that Peekay inhabits.

Though it's not perfect, Humphrey Bower's impressive portrayal of the multitude of characters--with myriad accents--and his charming narration earned five stars from me. The story nearly earned five, but I settled on four because I found the reflective portions, such as Peekay's musings on the power of one, rather contrived, and the conclusion unsatisfying.

Fortunately, though, the vast majority of the book features Courtenay's insightful, well-paced, funny, disturbing, and uplifting storytelling, laced with keen social commentary and fueled by the ambitions and imagination of a wildly talented boy turned young man, one I was compelled to cheer for throughout. You will, too, and you will find The Power of One well worth the listening time.

Well Done

What made the experience of listening to The Power of One the most enjoyable?

The reader, H. Bower, has a perfect voice for this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Can't answer this question.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

My first.

If you could take any character from The Power of One out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The Zulu "brother" and chief who appeared near the end. He is so sincere and lives for his people. Also, it would be a pleasure to eat with someone who has such beautiful, white teeth and such classy manners.

Any additional comments?

This book teaches the reader about boxing and this I had not expected. I first saw the movie, which I count among my top 10 favorites. The story is excellent, a piece of history. As an audiobook it is among my top 5 favorites.

my favorite book.... without any doubt...

Loved it!! story of courage... a spiritual journey.... in love with all characters... Peekay has influenced me and I feel I have matured with the story...

Enjoyable

This was my first Audio Book and my first ever Bryce Courtenay. I choose it beacuse of the good reviews that it received along wih the fact that I'd always wanted to read it. It was a good first choice.
I found the narration by Humphrey Bower very good and he did a great job with all the accents. The book on a whole I enjoyed although I did find some parts a bit slow but would definately recommend it. Well worth the time to listen to it and I'll probably be getting the follow up - Thandi.

The Power of One

To think that this book could have been never published and used for a door-stop until it was worn out and maybe thrown away. I'm an avid reader and place the book, The Power of One, as the number 1 book I have read. The mind and friends are wonderful things and you, Bryce Courtenay, have written how this phenomenon can and did happen. Thank you for your wonderful book.

One of my all time favorites!

Perfect read for any age. Makes you question what you are really made of and also how you have become.

The Power of One

This is one of the best books I've listened to. He related the feeling of the times so well. I felt like I really got to know the characters. The reader was excellent.

Most excellent, one the best Audible I've heard.

If you could sum up The Power of One in three words, what would they be?

This book appeals to your emotions in a very special way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of One?

Peekay encounter with the Black Mamba in the Cristal Cave and it's meaning.