Num 1: My response to the first seven chapters of "The Power of One"

In this blog entry I will focus on my own view, of the first seven chapters, of the novel The Power of One. This book was written by Bryce Courtney and is loosely based on his own life. The main character, Peekay, tells the story from his own perspective, in immaculate detail. This book gives the reader an understanding of situation in South Africa, from the perspective of a five year-old. In this blog entry, I will also deal with my personal expectations for the rest of the novel.

The novel, The Power of One starts with the phrase: “This is what happened.” It gives the reader an idea that the story which will follow; is the truth. It also shows that the author is looking back on his life. After this phrase the main character goes on to explain his early childhood from the way he saw it at that time. The five year-old boy, who we later know as Peekay, explains in detail his own view on what took place in his life. The reader is able to see the situation of racism and war, from the view of a young child. The author has successfully done this to bring the story to a more personal level and give us some idea of the mental and physical impacts this would have had on a young child.

Bryce Courtenay explains the life of Peekay in a very detailed manner. He describes Peekay’s feelings and observations, which allows for the scene to be set. I think this is very important as it makes the reader realise why Peekay felt and thought the way he did. Peekay describes how he was bullied by the others at his boarding school and the way he describes his situation, leaves the impression that everything and everyone around him was against him. We see how big and powerful Peekay’s enemies seemed to him. Also evident is his lack of understanding toward the Nazis, Adolf Hitler and even his own background. This allows us to sympathize with this young, vulnerable and naive character. Such detailed descriptions also occur in the boxing scene. The descriptions are very accurate and this makes it more exciting and gives the reader a better picture in their head.

Having not read to the end of the book, I have certain expectations for the rest of it. I think that throughout the book we will see certain values that Peekay held and believed; to come true. For example his idea how small beats big will come true – possibly he will beat someone in a fight who is larger then he is. The important values and beliefs that Hoppie taught him will also come to be very important later on in Peekays life – he will never forget them; they will help him to win. For example Hoppie said to him “you have to have a plan, first with the head and then with the heart that’s how a man stays ahead from the start.” These wise words, I think, will turn out to be very vital throughout Peekay’s life.

So far this book has been very enjoyable. The detailed descriptions and insight into the life of a five year-old, allow the reader to sympathize with the main character. I have high expectations for the rest of the book and feel that certain values and beliefs emphasised at the start will continue on through to the end.