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A Separate Peace
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A Separate Peace

novel by Knowles
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Article History

A Separate Peace, novel by John Knowles, published in 1959. It recalls with psychological insight the maturing of a 16-year-old student at a New England preparatory school during World War II.

Looking back to his youth, the adult Gene Forrester reflects on his life as a student at Devon School in New Hampshire in 1942. Although he is an excellent student, he envies the athleticism and vitality of his friend Phineas, or Finny. Unable to cope with this insecurity, Forrester causes Finny to break his leg, thus sabotaging a promising athletic career. When the incident is later examined in a mock trial, Finny runs away, reinjures himself, and dies during consequent surgery.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.