Monday, August 27, 2012

The Power of One Book Review


Genre: Adventure

Author: Bryce Courtney

Plot: 

     Peekay is a little Rooinek (slang for an English person, literally red neck) boy in South Africa, growing up in the gathering storm of the 1930’s. South Africa at the time is a place full of suspicion, fear, and hatred. Who do you hate? The Rooinek English occupiers? The German-descended Afrikaners? The native blacks? Peekay himself? Sure, for Peekay’s first school has one big bad Nazi-loving bully, the Judge, who takes pleasure in lording over Peekay, the little Rooinek.

     But learning to hate is not the point of The Power of One. Peekay’s guide back to his hometown after his horrifying experience in school is a boxing champion, who teaches Peekay that little can triumph over big.  Peekay learns the axiom "first with your head, then with your heart." From the moment Peekay tries on the tough boxer’s leather gloves, he knows, no, he feels that he will be a boxer. Not just any boxer though – Peekay knows he would become the welterweight champion of the world.

     But boxing isn’t the point of The Power of One. A true coming of age tale, Peekay’s journey through South Africa is one which confronts the building racism and hatred of the time head on. On the way Peekay’s remarkable talent for reconciling disparate groups comes into sharp focus. From the old persecuted German composer to the black prisoners of the jail where Peekay trains to box, all are brought together in a fascinating story of the accidental uniter.


Brian's Opinion:

     The Power of One, and its sequel, Tandia, literally had me crying at times. AUTHOR NAME weaves together beautiful scenes of song and music with gorgeous plateaus of South Africa’s back country and deeply touching glimpses into the personal lives of Peekay and the people he encounters.


Who Would Like It:
     Honestly, if you just like learning about what a time and place was like through historical fiction, this book would be worth reading. If you enjoy truly well done literature, try Peekay’s story out. Finally, those seeking literature deeply reflective of humanity and society will love The Power of One.

Read It!
Find a Library near you!
Amazon Paperback

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