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

My first Courtney but certainly won't be my last

A story of hardship and struggle and how a young boy navigates through it with the help of a very special mentor.
I bought this audiobook based on the reviews and knowing nothing of the author. I am not a fan of boxing so I was surprised at how entirely this book drew me in. It was engaging and uplifting... just what I love in a book.
The narrator did a great job.

No this is not a self-improvement novel

Not self-improvement, maybe. This story evokes so many emotions. I laughed out loud, felt angry, indignant, sad, and proud. Great story by a great writer. I would recommend this and all of Bryce Courtenay's other novels.

Practically Perfect

You must listen to this novel.

It is all you need to get by.

The end.

interesting, but not inspiring

I really liked the story and the reading. it is a very good book and worth reading, but if you're looking for a story to inspire you about the power of one, I think it falls short.

Enjoyable

I suppose this is not an unusual book. The voice seems to be 1st person protagonist and is stated to be autobiographical. However, The tone is momentous and the story events are life altering for the protagonist and some of his associates too. This is not to say the characters are grand. Much the opposite, the reader is given the opportunity to experience the ordinary and extraordinary events in the life of the protagonist through the extremely vivid inner dialogue and through recounted conversations with other characters. It is very believable even though some of the situations were terrible. The dialogue and narrative are well done. The narration performance is quiet good. There is some violence.

Excellent

A truely great story. It takes you through the whole range of emotions from tears of pity to those of joy. A very touching, beautifully told story. I have heard it so many times and for me it never gets old. The narration is spot on and transports you seamlessly into the story and it's characters. One of my all time favourite reads and listens.

Remarkable!

This unique autobiography is outstanding. The Power of One is inspiring! I won’t say more about this other then do not pass by this one.

intersectionality blind spots

a great story and inspirational author. the story has a blind spot when it comes to the dynamics of intersectionality and may be less inspirational to people of color. it's very much white male culture from a white male perspective.

Loved it!

The story was compelling and had me thinking of all the people I wanted to share it with including my son. I listen to a lot of audio books and this was one of my favorite narrations - up there with On the Road. I’ll be recommending this book a lot and I’m grateful to the person that recommended it to me. This story of a young boy, surviving and thriving, developing a strong character and moral compass, friendship and redemption is all time. One of the top 10 books I’ve ever read. Loved it.

A great listen!

I love this story and recording.
It was the first audible purchase I ever made and couldn't turn it off the first time I listened. I've just finished the recording for the second time, and once again, was lost in the world of Peekay. Loveable, endearing Peekay...
Great narration too!