#Review: A Separate Peace - John Knowles

Rating: 

2/5 Book Emojis

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Format(s) Used-

Paperback

Publisher - Simon & Schuster India

Pages - 2018

Audiobook

Publisher - Recorded Books

Length - 6h 34m

Note: I received a free copy for an honest review from the publisher (Simon and Schuster, India).

Review:

 "There was no harm in taking aim, even if the target was a dream." 

A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a classic coming-of-age novel about a boy named Gene Forrester who, in the summer of 1942, goes about making memories worth cherishing. But, it isn't that simple. In an impulsive moment, everything changes between his life and the life of Phineas "Finny".

The writing style is only slightly above average and doesn't leave a mark with its uniqueness. The chapters are long and pretty abstract at times. Knowles sets the perfect backdrop of the World War in relation with the schooling but there is no flow to the story. It doesn't take a philosopher to understand the underlying schemes and depth of the story. 

The story is extremely average and I personally don't see why it is celebrated so much as a classic. I really wished it were written better just to sugarcoat whatever strength lacked in the idea. 

CONCLUSION: I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone other than someone who's studying American literature.