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The Power of One  By  cover art

The Power of One

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Editorial reviews

Why You Should Download This Audiobook: Good character dramas are best shared with others, like good wine on special occasions. Bryce Courtenay's wonderful story of a child coming of age in a country ripped apart by racism is such a vintage—rich and complex, an experience you'll want to talk about long after the last words are spoken.

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

What listeners say about The Power of One

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Outstanding

I loved the book but did not like the ending. Too contrived for my tastes. Narration was outstanding, a work of art in and of itself.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

This was one of the best books I've listened to yet! I found the story of Peekay complex and engaging and the naration was outstanding. Bryce Courteney is superb as a story-teller and I felt transported to Africa. He does a fantistic job of painting a clear picture through both his historical knowledge and the emotional experience of the characters.

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My favorite book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Power of One to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. This was such a great book... hearing the audio edition really helped bring the characters to life and I loved each minute of it.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the sense of empowerment in the book that showed that one person can make such an impact on so many lives. This book makes you feel like you can accomplish anything.

Which scene was your favorite?

Almost every scene was my favorite... The level of detail is amazing but not so much that it takes away from the story. Each scene gets better and better and it is so hard to put down. If I had to pick just one, I would say my favorite at the beginning of the book when Peekay witnesses his first boxing match. The energy in the scene is addictive and amusing when seen from the perspective of a child.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me laugh and also cry. The book isn't just one genre. It is mostly a drama, but it is also a comedy, horror, and action genre.

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I promise - you'll love it

Starting with the author's notes at the beginning, to the very last paragraph, this was a fabulous listen. The reader was excellent, the story rich, the characters believable and intelligent. What a magnificent novel...Bryce Courtnay is brilliant author capturing in this fictional work both historical and ethical issues.

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Amazing!

Great book. Just amazing. Your can't put it down. The book is excellent from beginning to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Ear Pricking

With no doubt a great book that confirmed the Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower combo is a winner. Enjoyed it very much. Thank-you

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Incredible Story, Deeply Movjng

I have listened to many books on Audible, this may be most potent and moving story I have ever heard. Narration was extraordinary! A must listen!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, powerful story, superb narrator!

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

This is one of the best books I have read or listened to, and one of the absolute best narrators. I will look for more by Bryce Courtenay. I will also look for more by this narrator, Humphrey Bower, who did one of the best narrations I've ever experienced.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

I loved the hearing the African names and words pronounced properly. The narrator gave an astounding performance and never took me "out of the story" but rather brought each character to life.

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A Wonderful Book

As usual this author is a really good writer who puts forth a very wonderful story about a boy who overcomes his setbacks in life.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Too long

Good but too long especially when listening. Story was good. I would recommend the book.

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