A very emotional sequel, I'm really glad I read it.

The introduction of Tandia as a character was a great choice, helping the reader to see things from the African perspective and really delve into the mindsets of the oppressed; she's complex, and interesting to follow. There are also some great emotional moments that brought me to the verge of tears like the Odd Bodleians singing Doc's Concerto to the Great Southland before Peekay's first professional fight.

I can't help but feel that the book needed a bit of a stronger edit towards the second half though. The savage policeman Geldenhuis initially started very strongly but then got a bit cartoonish towards the end. I was also missing moments of reflection for Peekay, and wanted to see him pause and think about how he got to where he was. Without this, I think that some of the emotional weight got lost at times, and the story lacked a bit of direction. Also, there was a bit of a weird 'Peekay steals his best friend's girl but his best friend doesn't care' trope x2 which was handled a bit strangely.

Still close to my heart, but not as good as the first one.

7

This book goes with The Power of One and the stories are linked so read POO first and then this one. :)

Sequel to The Power of One. Set in South Africa, continuing the story of Peekay and introducing the title character Tandia. Biracial Tandia endures hate and violence in the apartheid era to become a lawyer and fight against injustice. Just as good as Power of One with a compelling plot and well woven narrative lines. Listened to audible version with excellent narrator.

Once again this book gave me insight into the dark realities of apartheid that I have never experienced being a 90s baby. It exposed the difficult and unfair system of the apartheid laws and police state and I've appreciated the opportunity to learn more from my country's history. Wrt the story I was a bit disappointed that the book didn't mainly follow Tandia's story and character development after the first few chapters focused on her. It would've been a good balance to see her grow amidst her circumstances alongside Peekay's growth. I think I mainly struggled keeping interest during the seemingly long explanations of a boxing match which is not my field of interest. Overall a good read with a poetic ending.

I wanted to love this book. The book is named for Tandia and it starts with her story but eventually it become mostly about Peekay. Having followed Peekays life and his dreams in book one it was not at all a disappointment you got to see that through to the end. But the namesake of the book is somewhat overshadowed.

The sheer brutality toward the coloureds in South Africa during the years this was set was front and centre. Courtenay does not hold back and nor should he. It is fact, it is what happened and pretending it didn't serves no purpose.

What lets the book down is the sheer length. Courenay's magnificent story telling sometimes turns to rambling, the book did not need to be this long. Removing some of the tangential storylines would not have diminished the greatness of the book. It would have made it less cumbersome to read and in my view it would have become a book worthy of five stars.

Many years ago while on vacation I had asked several of my fellow travelers their favorite books. The most convincing of the group recommended The Power of One. I Loved the book and have since passed on the suggestion to as many as I could. A very small number had even heard of Bryce Courtney. I later heard that the follow up book Tandia was also quite good I had searched without much luck to find a copy. At work I was talking favorites with one of my bosses who had a copy and I jumped on it. To my surprise it was a 900 page 1 3/4 inch thick paperback with microscopic writing. It was a fabulous read about the fight for South Africa’s soul leading up to the end of apartheid. Read both of these stories and enjoy storytelling and life lessons as you never have before.

This is the sequel to The Power of One and it's another amazing story. The horrors of apartheid are difficult to read about, the book is set during the 1950's and 60's and you know that there are still decades of struggle for South Africa's black population.
Both books are really worth the read though.

How our current times remain a little unchanged compared to this 1991 publication. Epic story of a black Indian girl named Tandia seeking justice after being raped by a white policeman at her fathers funeral when only 16 years of age. Her battle to find racial equality in the apartheid period in South Africa. Very emotional and riveting story features many world champion boxers and why the sport prospered at this time.

Bryce Courtenay had this book in his head for a long time. He was a successful advertising executive for so many years and then hung up his hat to be a writer--in my opinion because he had "The Power of One" and "Tandia" bouncing around in his head and he needed to get it out.

These two books are fantastic. The Power of One focuses on a white South African during the Apartheid years and this book follows a girl of mixed race (Indian and Black). It's an incredible story illustrated by the historical backdrop of South African Apartheid.

My wife said that this book hasn't formally been released in the U.S., which is strange considering the success of "The Power of One." This book is a must read for those that liked the first volume. It's a long one.

DISCLOSURE: the story is set in South Africa during Apartheid and focuses on a "colored" girl. Prepare yourself for plenty of rape scenes and shocking police brutality. Although the scenes are somewhat tastefully done, since they are an integral part of the story you have to bear with them.

I have rarely been so engrossed in a book, and so consumed by the plight of its characters. I'm afraid I am another 'Power of One' fan. Inasmuch, I really wanted to follow up on what happened to Peekay. Reading 'Power of One' as a youngster had a profound impact on me and the person I wanted to become.

The book Tandia is a more mature and realistic response to the Power of One. Courtenay deals with similar issues like racism, injustice and courage, but this time we see it more from the receiving end. The book has a much darker slant than its prequel, which is refreshing in some ways; as the prequel was at times too good to be true.

I would like to say that I do find Courtenay's portrayal of the Afrikaner as a little unfair at times, as he makes them out to be a either stupid, racist or cowardly. Which, I suppose, you could defend in light of the conditions and way of life people suffered through under the real Apartheid.

There are moments of real joy, laughter, heartache and profound anger in store for the reader, more so than any other book I know, and on that basis I urge you to read it. While I hold the Power of One as Courtenay's best, this is an excellent second.

Wow. What a journey this book was. I feel as if i've just lived a whole lifetime alongside Peekay (who by the way, didn't deserve the ending he got. Not one bit). Tandia's story was such an eye-opening experience, and although quite confronting and harrowing, was nevertheless so incredibly inspiring. Once again, Peekay was amazing, Hymie was amazing, and of course, so was Bryce Courtenay in writing this incredible story. Although i'm terribly upset that this journey is over, the only feeling that I really have at the end of all of this is just complete and utter gratitude. Gratitude for the piece of divine literature that this book was, and gratitude for an entirely new perspective on life that I really needed. What. A. Classic.

This must be about the 10th time I have ready this book.
Each time it brings me to a single determination - that I am lucky and privileged and then I cry from guilt and horror for those who aren't as lucky as I am.
Each time I learn something new from this book, and it makes me feel like I am opened a fraction more.
Mr Courtenay (may you rest in peace), thank you for your beautiful words that spark imagination and understanding in me - you words can all at once inspire, chastise and set your heart free - thank you