"Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels, "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay and "Empire of the Sun" by J.G. Ballard

The power to overcome life threatening experiences helps a person to grow within. In the books Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels, Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard, and The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, the main characters--Jakob, Peekay and Jim respectively--were all able to overcome adversity at a young age. This was developed through their relationships with a father-like mentor, their ability to build courage from fear and their informal education. With these elements they were able to survive through harsh conditions to develop as individuals.

The main characters were able to overcome adverse situations in life through the presence of a father-like mentor. All three main characters were separated from their fathers at a very young age. Having a father figure to look up to is essential as it provides the youth with a sense of support, security and a feeling that they are not alone in the world. In Fugitive Pieces Jakob is rescued by Athos during the Holocaust. Athos cares for...