Reviews

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

littlemisscass's review against another edition

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5.0

The Power of One is the best book I have ever read. I first read it when I was at school, and even then I was obsessed and in love. It is so stark and confronting, but absolutely fantastically written and thought-provoking. When I read Tandia (the sequel) I cried like a baby.

kayleenconnor's review against another edition

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5.0

Such an inspiring story about a little boy growing up into adulthood as he pushes the envelope. Also was made into a great movie.

megansgc's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ve loved this book (and the movie even though it’s different) for many years. I just listened to it on audiobook for the first time and now I love it even more. Perfect narration of a moving (vaguely autobiographical) story about growing up in South Africa at the start of apartheid.

suzieqreads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

annelisengan's review against another edition

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5.0

This is one of the best books I read this year. Heartbreaking but yet people rise up, it's about resilience and hope for Peekay and the African people. To note that I have no interest in boxing and the parts about boxing did not bother me at all. Loved this book!

jasminemorris's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

mickeymole's review against another edition

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5.0

My all-time favorite novel. Reading doesn't get much better than this. I could never forget Peekay. This novel develops so many memorial characters as well. I've read it twice, and plan to do a third reading. If you read this and enjoy it, be sure to read Courtney's "Tandia" for another great story and more of Peekay. Much thanks to Adam Silvers for giving me this book.

cassdcamp's review against another edition

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5.0

I love this story, and I love the way the author has written it. I actually saw the movie first, and because of my time spent in South Africa, I was really attracted to it. This novel, however, is full of coarse, inexcusable language. The story would have been just as good without the language - I couldn't finish it - it just didn't sit well with me.

rynflynn12's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

babydragonmom7314's review against another edition

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4.0

This is really 4 1/2 stars.