Book 39: A Separate Peace
I really enjoyed reading John Knowles' A Separate Peace. Written in 1959, the book sums up boyhood ambition and pits it again World War II. To the boys at Devon prep school in New Hampshire, the war is a way to become a man, to be recognized, and respected. When Phineas, the charismatic leader of the group, has a tragic accident, everyone aspires still to be just like him and stay home. All except Elwin "Leper" Lepellier, who joins the army and goes crazy before he can even pick up a gun to shoot a human being. He's another case study for staying safe at Devon. The boys' relationship mirrors the war and the United States. As more and more happens, the more they are forced to accept that there is a war, despite Finny's odd accusations that it's just the "old fat men" who want steaks all to the themselves. The boys also start to crack as they head into manhood and even more pressure is thrust upon them. I'm not quite as big a fan of this novel (novella really) as Aubrey Menen, who states "I think it is the best-written, best-designed, and most moving novel I have ever read in many years. Beginning with a tiny incident among ordinary boys, it ends by being as deep and as big as evil itself", the book is still a pretty good read and is very, very well written. At just over 200 pages, it flies by pretty quickly, sweeping you up into the narrative and Knowles' poignant style.
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Kelly :)