The Power of One

3/22/2016

Bridget Bradley

5/24/2016 05:24:48 am

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is an inspirational novel following the journey of a young boy during the apartheid in South Africa. It tells of his survival and self-preservation through the injustices of racial hatred. When he meets the amateur boxer Hoppie Groenewald, he is inspired to stand up for what he believes in and to aim to be welterweight champion of the world. This novel encouraged me to learn more about the history of South Africa and the impacts of racial discrimination within society. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to read fictional stories that are based off true historical events.

Pippa Newman link

5/28/2016 10:24:55 pm

The Power of One by Bryce Courtney is a book set in South Africa post WWII and at the beginnings of the Apartheid. The novel follows the story of Peekay, a 5-year old boy who is sent to boarding school and struggles against the conflicting cultural groups. When he meets an amateur boxer, he aspires to become the welterweight champion of the world- no matter what it takes. Along the way he meets Doc- a German pianist who becomes his mentor, teacher and best friend. When Doc is imprisoned for being a German, Peekay starts to realise the horrors of racism which is a key theme throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book which taught me about the horrors of racism and the Apartheid in South Africa's history. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, boxing, music or enjoys an adventure will really love this book!

Ms Moreton

6/6/2016 08:55:48 pm

Many say this is a semi autobiography of Bryce Courtney. Such a powerful novel as well as a great read!

Sophie Ottley

6/21/2016 02:25:25 am

The Power of One was a thought provoking novel written by Bryce Courtenay, about a white boy's adventures during the period of apartheid in South Africa. This story follows Peekay's struggle of being the only English child in an Afrikaans school, to his passion for changing the world and becoming a boxer with the help of his friends. Along the way, Peekay realises the scale and monstrosity of racism, and the theme of racism being explored by a white boy's perspective was a new and interesting point of view for me. Overall, the Power of One was a heartening, interesting and well-written novel that kept me hooked but not on the edge.

The Power of One

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