The Power of One Paperback – January 1, 1998

This is a rivetting read involving a white South African English-speaking child of unsual intelligence who is sent to a rural Afrikaans boarding school. He is mercilessly abused from the age of five by older boys who have formed a Nazi cult (1939). He is detested purely for his culture - even by those who run the school. Named "Peekay" he learns not to fight back but to ride the punches and the insults.The experience proves, to say the least, character forming.As a teeanger he becomes a super-hero, especially, en passant, among blacks which proves tricky in the apartheid years.Peekay's prowess acadmically and in boxing is sometimes, perhaps, over the top. In fact the story sometimes borders on the allegorical.This reviewer fears the book leaves the reader with the impression that all Afrikaners were feeble-minded Nazis. While significant numbers were, there was a significant number who were compassionate and civilised.This is a memorable book that will live long in the mind.

I read this book 16 years ago - it is unforgettable. I have recommended it and given it as a gift to the people who are most important to me. All have felt the same. It seems that it is not very well known but when mentioned to book lovers, it elicits a unanimous response - "Great book!" Understanding the Afrikans words and the events of the pre-Nazi time in South Africa was difficult but very rewarding. The story satisfyingly bridged the time span from the aforementioned period through the rigid apartheid time and the beginnings of apartheid's downfall. I read that Bryce Courtenay died recently and although his obituary did not say that The Power of One was autobiographical, I must believe that it either described his own life or the life of someone very close to him. I consider it a must read. In fact, my son, also an avid reader, wrote about it in one of his college application essays and he was accepted early decision to Harvard.

I enjoyed the imagery, the 3 dimensional characters, I could see each painted picture in my mind clearly. I dislike boxing and savagery but enjoyed the book immensely. I guess we all read what we are meant to read when we are ready!

I had heard about this book, who hadn't? but I never got around to reading it until now. It is such a well crafted book, beautifully written, poetic at times. All the main characters in the book are totally believable and simply described from the view point of a young intelligent lad. I was so convinced that Prof von Vollenstein was real I googled his symphony of the Southland.Peekay's trials and tribulations from 5-19 yrs made me laugh and cry out loud. Not many books are so engrossing. One of those books where the read is so enjoyable, you don't want it to end. When it did I immediately downloaded another Bryce Courtney!

Not only your own "must read" list, but every middle and high school aged kid you know's list. This is an epic story, skillfully written and thoroughly engrossing, about a boy's amazing journey from small child to older teen. Peekay overcomes tremendous adversity and changes peoples lives along the way. His belief in the power of one person along with a clear moral sense of what was wrong with apartheid in South Africa lead him to greater and greater efforts, often risking all. But this story isn't simply a vehicle to tell about the old South Africa, it's really a story that uses that period in history to tell a story of human courage and resourcefullness. This is a "can't put it down" kind of book. My adult son remembers a similar experience when he read it as a school assignment in 7th grade.

This story goes to the heart of the human soul as well as our mind and actions.This is fiction and even tho it might sound like a 'self-help' book, it is not.I found it very powerful and stirring. I would recommend it to anyone who is interestedin reading or listening to something extremely powerful.The reader is superb.

I admit...I read Tandia first a few years ago (I LOVED that book so much that I read it three times, lol). Anyway, I recently decided I might as well read the background to Tandia: The Power of One. The book was amazing, as I expected it would be. There were a few dull , drawn out moments closer to the beginning, but overall I loved it. I only wish there was a sequel to Tandia.

I read this book to help my daughter with her summer reading list. I was supposed to take notes on it so she could write the essay. Well, the book sucked me in and I couldn't put it down, so no notes for her. I made her read the book herself since I loved it so much I wanted her to experience it also.The historical setting of the book was a new one for me. South Africa during WWII. I read a lot of books about history and enjoy them, but thinking about what it was like for the blacks and whites during this time of their own struggle of Aparthied was new. I know this book gave me a new perspective on what went on during this time period.The ending left me wanting more and I wish that the story had continued although I understand why it ended when it did. Excellent story and I highly recommend the book.