If you have been following this blog for the last few months, you will know that I spent that time reading The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. (Obviously, I didn't spend the whole time reading it, but I was reading it for the duration of those months). As I spent so long on that one particular book, I think I know it quite well and it would be a shame not to write a review for you all. So here we go. Also, this review is spoiler free.
The Power of One is about a boy called Peekay who grows up in South Africa during the 1930's and 40's. The reason it is so interesting is because it is a view of apartheid in South Africa through the eyes of a child. The story follows Peekay as he grows up.
I love the character relations in the book. Peekay's friendships and interactions with different characters were my favourite part of the novel. I especially like Professor Karl von Vollensteen or "Doc". He is such a cheery and likeable character. Another key part of the story is how different people make an impression on you, and what they teach you. When he is a young boy Peekay meets Hoppie Groenewald, a boxer, who says to him "first with the head and then with the heart". I love this quote so much, because I think it applies to so many things in life. Think first, before you let your feelings take over, and then let your heart decide.
The character development is great. The way different characters grow with each other and develop is so lovely to watch and read about. There is a movie adaptation of this book, but it doesn't look that good, so I don't know if I'll watch it.
I would recommend this. It took me so long to read not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I had so little time to read. I think it is a book that I will remember. There are certain books that shape you as a person, and for me this is one of them.
Lights out,
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