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

Riveting

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

This book ranks easily among my top five audiobooks of all time. It was simply a fantastic listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Doc was my favorite because he proved just how complex yet simple friendship and life can be viewed al at the same time through the time he spent with the lead character.

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

No this is my first listen to one of his performances.

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

It would have to be Doc, for the same reasons he is my favorite character.

Any additional comments?

I laughed, cried and at times was outraged while listening to this book. It is truly an experience. It is definitely one of the best performances that I have had the pleasure to use a few hours of my life to listen to.

Brilliant book, awe enspiring & mesmerizing :)

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Depth of the characters that he brings to life, great timing and wonderful voice.-I could listen to indefinately.

Any additional comments?

I have just discovered Bryce Courtney, the writer. I'm sure I will enjoy listening to some of his stories for the rest of my life- Sheila Vaughan

excellent coming of age story w/ great narrator

very well written story but had a weak ending. The narrator did a great job not only with the accents but capturing the feeling of all the characters within the moment.

Moving story enhanced by a wonderful performance

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

Powerful, moving, inspiring

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator truly brought me into the world of the story with what sounded like an authentic South African accent and his excellent interpretation of the emotional meaning behind the words.

Any additional comments?

Although the story was larger than life at times and the main character occasionally too good to be true, the writing was lovely and moving and there are beautiful, touching, sad moments that will live with me for a long time. The writer weaves throughout the notion of the "loneliness birds," which is such a visual way of describing what the main character was experiencing. I loved being taken into this world and loved hearing about the various people who made a difference in the main character's life and who taught him how to strive for the best. The characters were fantastic. I do wish a certain character who was introduced early on had made an appearance at the end to see how his kindness changed a boy's life, but still great even without that.

Why didn't I listen to this earlier?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I absolutely would recommend this book. The characters became part of me. I felt each and every one of Peekay's losses and each triumph. Mr. Courtenay has a way of weaving a story by introducing lots of little stories that come together to make an outstanding read. I also felt that the narration was outstanding.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the first person narration as I felt it gave us a window into Peekay's soul.
The story was extremely engaging. My only comment would be that I felt a bit too much time was spent in the story about the mine, near the end of the book. It was as if the story should have ended earlier. However, the ending was well done and very satisfying.

Which scene was your favorite?

Every scene with Doc for me was memorable. I loved hearing Doc say "absoloodle"

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

I would take Doc out for dinner. He was such a fascinating character and he shared my love of plants and music.

The need for a 2nd book

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

Bryce's book keeps you from the very beginning until the end. The story just keeps you interested.

What did you like best about this story?

The storytelling is steady. It keeps you wanting to hear more.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His talent of changing voices for each character is unbelievable. His voice brings the characters more to life.

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

Doc, was such a positive influence on Pekays life. His optimism overflowed to the other characters. He helped Pekay have a joy for learning.

Any additional comments?

I hope the 2nd book on Pekay is turned into an audible book very soon. I am ready to listen to the last chapter of Pekay's life.

An Audible Essential

I found this on the Essentials list -- it's not on there anymore though it should always be there. Best listening experience ever.

Marvelous story, wonderful narration

I guess this was Bryce Courtenay’s first novel. Kind of cool though to recognize some of the characters even though they had different names. Really a good book, and I love love love Humphrey Bower.

Terrific

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

I was not aware of Bryce Courtenay until recently. This is a really good story made great by the narrator Bower. The story, the voices and the historical perspective reminded me of Shantaram. Bower really is terrific.

amazing! Great book and read beautifully!

the characters were brought to life. voices were spot on and truly amazing! must read!