Big Books of 2026
The Power of One (The Power of One, #1)

Questions About The Power of One (The Power of One, #1)

by Bryce Courtenay

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Answered Questions (13)

What age group is this book?? Are there any sexual references?? I know some people have said it's not school appropriate because of the profanity. Could someone please verify?
Ronell Harkin There is a difference between the book and the film. We had it as one of our setwork books in high school (SA). It's the most incredible story. 20 yea…moreThere is a difference between the book and the film. We had it as one of our setwork books in high school (SA). It's the most incredible story. 20 years later and it's still on my top 10 favorite book list (and I read more than 15 books a month). Simply a beautiful story - and timeless. (less)
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Who is Peekay? I am really confused. Is it the author.
Craig Peekay, as Sharon stated, is the main Character in The Power of One. You never really find out his real name because the nickname is given to him quit…morePeekay, as Sharon stated, is the main Character in The Power of One. You never really find out his real name because the nickname is given to him quite early in the book. The nickname is derived from bullies and uses the letters P and K which stands for "Piss Kop" in Afrikaans. The author has mentioned that the story is about his life, however, he also mentions that parts of the story did not happen or have been exaggerated. Definitely a fantastic read.(less)
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Does it talk much about war ? I've read so many WWII books, that need a long break from the topic for now.
Jason Culpepper Not really. Peekay is a child of five when the war breaks out. Everything is from the perspective of an isolated English boy surrounded by Afrikaners …moreNot really. Peekay is a child of five when the war breaks out. Everything is from the perspective of an isolated English boy surrounded by Afrikaners in South Africa. The war is backdrop, nothing more.(less)
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Can this be read as a stand alone or do you need to read the second book?
Emily You can read just the 'Power of One' book, it isn't necessary to read the second, although it does simply continue following Peekay's life. i personal…moreYou can read just the 'Power of One' book, it isn't necessary to read the second, although it does simply continue following Peekay's life. i personally didn't enjoy the second book as much, and it is very long, but still a good read. (less)
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Does anyone have any The Power of One book club questions?
Sara

How do you feel about the book?
Are there any characters you'd like to deliver a lecture to? If so, who? What would you say?
Do you recommend this book?…more

How do you feel about the book?
Are there any characters you'd like to deliver a lecture to? If so, who? What would you say?
Do you recommend this book?
How did the setting impact the story? Would you want to read more books set in that world?
What was the purpose in Peekay's name?
If you had to trade places with one character, who would it be?
Are there lingering questions from the book you're still thinking about?
He finds the Crystal Cave of Africa with his best friend, Doc, who is about 80 years old. What was that about?
Which characters did you like best? Which did you like least?
If you could ask the author anything, what would it be?
Did you know about the history of English-Boer hostility during World War II?
What did you Google while reading the book?
What surprised you most about the book?
It was particularly unsettling that Peekay's sole black guardian/mentor, Geel Piet, was murdered in such a brutal manner. Why was he sodomized to death at the hands of a white man in prison, while Doc (a white foreigner) died peacefully in a magical crystal cave?
What was your favorite part of the book?
Would you want to read another book by this author?
Why was it necessary for his development and coming-of-age story to include his accidental deification to black people?
What do you think happens to the characters after the book's official ending?
Which scene has stuck with you the most?(less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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