Chance's Corner: A Separate Peace

 

School's been back in session for a few weeks, and we all know what that means... assigned reading, or as some like to call it forced reading. Lord knows I've called it forced reading many a time, but in my later years in high school I stumbled upon an assigned book written by John Knowles called A Separate Peace. I hem-hawed around with it at first because it didn't sound like much, but I finally broke down and cracked it open. I finished it that day.
 
Set during World War II, Gene and Phineas (Finny) are friends and roommates at a prep school called Devon. Gene is introverted and academic, while Finny is carefree and athletic. Their differences set off a friendly rivalry, which progressively gets more serious for Gene due to increasing jealousy. This ultimately culminates in an event that effects both boys -- one emotionally and the other physically -- for the rest of their lives.
 
A Separate Peace is a tale of lost innocence, or as the back of the book perfectly describes, a "parable of the dark side of humanity." The war rages on overseas, and it rages in Gene's heart with jealousy, envy and regret. He lashes out at someone he loves because he found good in them, a good that he wishes he could be, a good that he desires to destroy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the story is relatable, and Knowles' style of writing is very lyrical. The imagery he conjures of the students and of Devon are very dreamy. It's a very easy and emotionally engaging read.

A Separate Peace was recently featured on the Franklin County Library's Instagram for #firstlinefriday (at my request), and is available to check out at our library!