Originally published in 1959, A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a coming-of-age story set in a New England private boy’s school during World War II. The story is about friendship, competition and the inner doubts and fears of adolescent boys. There is a school of thought that pushes a homo-erotic dynamic as implied by the interactions between the two main characters, Gene and Phineas. This is subtle and open to an individuals’ interpretation of the relationship. While Gene is an introvert and intellectual, Finny is an extroverted athlete who definitely has more control over their relationship. Whatever Finny wants to do, Gene, often reluctant, always follows along. As roommates, these opposites are always together. When Finny devises a daredevil club whose membership must jump from the limb of a tree into the river, Gene, although terrified, follows along. Gene admires Phineas but also is jealous of his ease with others and his ability to impress through actions. This jealousy flares up at various times, and eventually Gene acts upon impulse and this act of betrayal changes both boys forever. A Separate Peace is beautifully written. It moves slowly but gives the reader vivid imagery and strong character development. World War II plays a vital part but always remains in the background, shaping the boy’s world, but not controlling it. The book varies itself, sometimes sad, sometimes humorous, always moving, and for me, it felt authentic to both the time and the place.

A Separate Place by John Knowles is one of those books you read because it is so beautifully written. A simple story but that is but a facade and before long, you start to delve into the complexity of the hidden darkness behind some of the characters in the book. An idyllic time in the life of boy, Gene Forrester, attending summer school in Devon in the early 40s. The war is but a rumor at that point. He meets Phineas, and is swept into a whirlwind of adventures and fun, but then there is an accident... or is it an accident? Does Gene secretly harbor resentment against Finny for being what he wants to be - charming, athletic, charismatic and a leader? The war does encroach after all, but even then, the school appears to provide a safe haven for the teenagers, until one student, Leper, leaves to enlist after watching a video on snow troops, but ends up returning because he's deemed by the army to be psychotic. Does this bring up the old accident and will truth out? Will we ever learn what's behind Finny's carefree nonchalance? Beautifully written, this is well worth reading