A Separate Peace
- 76 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Sparknotes presents a clear discussion of the action and thoughts of the work.
John Knowles Books
September 16, 1926 – November 29, 2001
John Knowles achieved renown for his debut novel, which masterfully captures the complexities of adolescence and the shifting dynamics of relationships within the hallowed halls of an elite boarding school. His writing excels in its penetrating psychological depth and its ability to depict the fine line between friendship, rivalry, and unspoken emotions. Knowles focused on exploring themes of innocence, loss, and the search for identity, often drawing from personal experience to create vivid and believable settings for his characters. His literary style is characterized by precise diction and evocative descriptions that draw readers into the heart of the experienced world.
Peace Breaks Out
- 178 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Pete is a sensitive, handsome young war hero. Wexford is a defiant, scheming troublemaker. Their lives collide in the uneasy days of peace after World War II as senior year at the Devon School changes from a time of friendships into a stunning drama of tragic betrayal. With the unforgettable power and simplicity that made A Separate Peace into a modern classic, this masterful companion volume by John Knowles takes us once again on a warmly nostalgic journey through the poignancy of adolescence — and gives us another landmark portrayal of the dark side of the human heart.
The story follows a chance encounter between a young man from rural Australia and an adventurous woman from regional New Zealand in Hong Kong. Their meeting sparks a journey of faith that leads them through unexpected experiences and challenges, exploring themes of love, adventure, and spiritual growth as they navigate their intertwined destinies.