Book Review - Classic #8 - The Power of One

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love a good title.  The Power of One may seem obvious, especially after reading the book's jacket which says, "In this magical novel, an irresistible boy tells the story of his survival and coming of age against the background of South Africa during and just after World War II."  The boy must be the One, right?

Well, of course.  He is.  Little Peekay is sensitive boy.  He gets, at an unusually young age, that some things matter and some don't and like any decent literary hero, the things that matter to him are the good things in life.  Truth.  Dignity.  Honor.  

These virtues seem to come to him naturally, because his family life is sadly lacking.  His mother is a neglegent born-again who tears him away from the only mother he's ever known - a Zulu who talks to him, unlike his own blood relatives,  and teaches him her ways.  His love for her is a theme that carries throughout the novel.

Which brings me back to the idea of the "One."  This nurse-maid also becomes a "One."  As the story follows Peekay throughout his life in a harsh South Africa, colorful characters all take their turn being powerful "one"s - or influences in Peekay's life.  Peekay is the tie that holds this goodness together, but through him and with their collective help, that one became many and the many became one.  It's a beautiful idea and masterfully told by Bryce Courtenay.

If you read it, you'll fall in love with Peekay, his boxing mentor, Hoppie, Doc, and even a chicken, Grandpa Chook.  You'll also learn a lot about boxing and the struggle between the Afrikaners and English as well as their mutal mistreatment of blacks in their country.  Most importantly, you'll discover a boy who learns that anything can be accomplished if he does it "first with his head, then with his heart."