Review of A Separate Peace by John Knowles

I slightly remember having 'read' this book in AP English for high school. I picked up this book from my shelf of books that I had already read, but knew that I did not understand its full meaning as I didn't actually read it when I was in school.
Now with a Bachelors in Biology and Science, along with being an aspiring doctor, I figured that I would be able to pick up the subtle nuances of this text. I was definitely right.

This novel is set during WWII in a Boy's school, meant to make these young high school boys into the fighting men for this country. In the reality of this novel, however, the boys are barely exposed to the realness of the war around them and thus live in 'a separate peace'.

The main focus is on the friendship between two boys, One of them being the main protagonist whose thoughts are revealed to us, and then his friend who he can't help but feel jealousy and envy towards.

I don't want to give the whole story away, but I will mention there are many plot twists that will leave you wondering "if I was in his/their position, would I have done/felt the same"?

The prose is beautiful and descriptive-- if you really focus when reading this novel, you can imagine each backdrop of the scenes and create a true movie of what you are reading. Few books can do that in my opinion.

There was one scene in the novel that brought tears to my eyes. When you read it, you might be able to spot which part(s) of it are so sincere and emotionally open.

I do not believe this novel should be read in high school-- I remember dreading having to read it and I had few marks in the novel from the first time I read it. Now, my book is overflowing with notes and an extra small paper I used as a bookmark that contain my flow of thoughts as I was reading it.

I am glad I picked this novel back up from the dusty shelf of books I dreaded in high school and gave it a second try.