RIP: Bryce Courtenay

Last Friday, South African-born author Bryce Courtenay died after suffering from stomach cancer. Courtenay was an Australian national and died at his home in Canberra at the age of 79.

Bryce Courtenay

He only started writing in his 50s and it was his first book, The Power of One, that attracted him so much attention. The account of a young boy growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, it is a tale of blood, sweat, and tears, following the boy, Peekay, as he becomes a boxer and learns about life.

Random Kate Thoughts: The Power of One is one of my favorite works of fiction. It's an easy read with the backdrop of a lot of really fascinating South African history. I would recommend that everyone read it, as it is a fun way to learn some of the culture and history of this rainbow nation. RIP, Bryce Courtenay. Thank you for your writing.