Allreaders.com

A Separate Peace Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of A Separate Peace


A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a short work of fiction about two teenage boys attending a private boarding school in New England during World War Il. The story is narrated by one of the main characters, named Gene, who is distinctly different from the other main character, Phineas. Gene is introverted and mild-mannered, while Phineas is extremely outgoing, daring, and popular; despite these differences, the two boys are best friends. After a lengthy introduction and description of the characters and setting, the plot unfolds. Gene and Phineas, despite being best of friends, struggle to accept each other's successes, because they each are so competitive. This tension represents the major conflict of the novel, and as the story unfolds the conflict is resolved, but not without sufficient suspense and surprise. A Separate Peace is not a great book because of its story, which is not particularly inventive; it is a great book, however, on account of the precise character descriptions and careful attention given to detail throughout the book.
Click here to see the rest of this review...


The review of this Book prepared by Jeremy C.




Gene returns to his old prep-school, and the actions that took place there come back to his mind. It was a year of turmoil over sea in WWII. Gene was lucky to be best friends with the most popular kid in school, the athletic and charismic Finny. But things do go so well, and Gene must come to grips with his true feelings.
The review of this Book prepared by Jane Fiegen



Chapter Analysis of A Separate Peace

Click on a plot link to find similar books!

Plot & Themes

Time/era of story    -   1930's-1950's Kids growing up/acting up?    -   Yes Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Age group of kid(s) in story:    -   high school

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   student Age:    -   a teen Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White (American)

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   7 () United States    -   Yes The US:    -   Northeast Misc setting    -   fancy mansion

Writing Style

Lot of foul language?    -   Yes Amount of dialog    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

Books with storylines, themes & endings like A Separate Peace

John Knowles Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
2 Ways to Search!
Or



Our Chief Librarian