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Summary: An unforgettable experience
Review: My only regret in reading 'The Power of One' is I wished I could have read it earlier! This book has created a turning point in my life and I'm glad, I have been enlightened about 'a flame of independence that must never be allowed to go out -- that as long as it exists within us, we cannot be destroyed.' Bryce Courtenay has created a vivid and brilliantly written story that both pulled at the heartstrings and encouraged quiet chuckles, with many unforgettable characters which have entered and exited Peekay's life. This 'colourblind' boy, both accepted and persecuted in his country of birth shows the reader that if one heart beats strongly above the rest, then that one heart can believe in his/herself to be able to achieve anything..'small can beat big.' I respect this book because I know that BC neither exaggerated nor underplayed the actions involved during apartheid and this fact in itself makes 'The Power of One' so vividly real, so much so I felt I had known the characters my whole life. Anyone who feels they are left hanging after reading this book, I advise you to read Tandia, the sequel, as this in itself is a unique story, continuing Peekay's life. I thank you, Bryce Courtenay, for writing such a wonderful book - the story itself is an experience that will stay with me forever.
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Summary: THIS IS MY FAVOURITE NOVEL
Review: The Power of One stimulates one's intellect and draws on a panoply of emotions ranging from despair to utter hilarity. It inspires; it uplifts; it makes one want to change the world. Most importantly, this novel challenges every reader to change himself or herself for the better, to seize the day and be all that he or she can be.
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Summary: A moving struggle to learn the power of one soul.
Review: This is truly the strongest novel yet written. The imagery and strength of characters is entrancing. I re-read it every year or so.
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Summary: A powerful and uplifting story
Review: I enjoyed this book so much, I have read it FOUR times!! And I plan to read it again! I would recommend it to anyone. It is the moving story of Peekay growing up in South Africa during World War II. He endures many struggles but still emerges as a strong, admirable young man. I don't know how anyone could not love this book from the first page!
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Summary: The Best!!!!!!! An 11 out of 10...Absolute!
Review: Bryce I do hope you read these reviews. I have read the Power of One 3-4 times and each time I am awed by the belief and the power we have as individuals. This book has challenged me to be the best that I can, "first with the head and then with the heart". Whenever I find myself getting down on life, I remember that each of can do exceptional things with our lives.This book will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly--believe. Thanks Mr. Courtney!
Rating: 
Summary: Breathtaking, heartbreaking, and alarming.
Review: As an ex-South African, I never realised that I personally was involved in maintaining the Apartheid system by my inaction and willingness to keep the lifestyle millions of blacks paid for in blood and sweat. Reading about Peekay fighting injustice in our hate-drenched society made me ashamed and disgusted. As a 'rooinek'largely surrounded by other rooineks I was brought up to believe in English superiority, never imagining that being English could be to my disadvantage as in the case of Peekay. The veiled bitterness of Afrikaners towards the English was something I never cared to question. Our attitude towards them was in a similar vein. It was heartening to see that in a nation founded on racial-hatred, Peekay could literally fight ignorance. Initially, I thought it quite improbable that a white could befriend a black even in the '80s of my childhood let alone the suffocating '40s, but Peekay's story is special for that reason - he broke through the toughest wall of oppression. BC conveys this so eloquently and even offers hope that there is a future in South Africa for all shades of people. If you're from the RSA and white and you still believe we were blameless, read this book. 'Tandia' was also heartbreaking - How could we have let this go on for so long, despite our claim to being civilised?
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Summary: Wonderful story - emotional, adventurous, inspirational
Review: The Power of One is a story that will stay with you forever. It is intricately written and upon the third reading I am still finding more to love about Peekay and all the characters who come together in this fight for understanding.
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Summary: It was extremely enlightening
Review: I found this book. . . mind boggling for many reason . .. number one, a book this long should have a very nice sett of CLIFF NOTES to go with it . . ..and its big and smells kindof of funny . .. I'm sure I would of read if their was not a movie. Burt said there was so ya and later. . . .
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Summary: If you only read one book in your whole life read this one
Review: This is quite simply the best book I have ever read
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Summary: My new favorite book
Review: Finally, a book that tells a story. Not a true to life drama or romance that most adult-intellegence reading contains. Mr.Courtenay has played my imagination. I feel I know the characters, and I feel like I've been to South Africa. It's amazing how a written person can become a source of inspiration and even a philosophy towards life.
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