The Power of One





Bryce Courtenay (1933-2012)
The Power of One
New York: Random House, 1989

Set in South Africa in the 1940s, The Power of One
follows its young subject, Peekay, first as a five-year-old
learning survival techniques at a school of Boer students
where he was the only British boarder, next as a teenage
amateur boxer acquiring legendary status among the
native Africans, and finally as a young man working in
a copper mine to earn tuition to further his education.

His early friends along the way include his rooster,
Grandpa Chook, “the toughest damn chicken in the
world,” and Doc, an old German music teacher and
botanist whose poignant philosophies run counter to
those of Peekay’s mother and her Apostolic Faith Mission.

Peekay’s compassionate nature, despite the world of cruel
racism in which he has grown up, and his determination
to realize his dreams make an inspiring and often
humorous story of resilience that will leave the reader
remembering these characters for years to come.

Cathy McGowan (staff)
Back to Top

The New York
Society Library

53 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10075
212.288.6900
reference@nysoclib.org

Hours of Operation

Monday / Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday / Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Holiday Closing:
Easter

The Library will be closed
Sun, 3/31.

Otherwise we observe normal hours.
 
© Copyright The New York Society Library | Privacy Policy