Search - A Separate Peace

I bought this book from a thrift store and decided to read it because it is considered a classic and the story sounded interesting to me. I started to read it but by the end of the 2nd chapter couldn't make it any farther, I couldn't get into the story.

Quick read, beautifully written, poignant, haunting coming of age about New England boarding school boys, at the onset of WWII. Narrated by Gene as an adult revisiting the Devon School, he tells the story about his best friend and roommate Phineas, and their complicated relationship. Gene is all awkward intellectualism and Phineas is outgoing, charming, athletic and beautiful. What transpires between the two is painful and powerful.

Critics have praised this book as a "masterpiece," and "American classic" for decades. It has been a best-seller for over 30 years, and after reading it I understand the sales records and whole-heartedly agree with all the praise given. The setting is a boys' boarding school in New England during the early years of WWII. The school creates their own private world, and the ways in which the war creeps slowly into their lives is both dark and moving. Dark moments of adolescence mimic the war, and I found myself drawn to the parallels of the current Iraq war. At only 200 pages it is a fast, and moving read.

Great book, makes me want to read more of his work. Lots of momentum!

Adolescent coming of age story set in New Hampshire in 1942-1943. Reminded me of Brideshead Revisited.

This story takes place during World War II. It is about what happens to them one summer and how it changes their relationship and their world. It is an enjoyable book.