Reviews

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

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akacya's review against another edition

2024 reads: 145/250

2024 tbr: 63/100

gene, an introverted intellectual, and phineas, a daredevil athlete, are an unlikely match, but friends nonetheless. one summer, something happens at their boarding school that flips their worlds upside down.

i really did not know what to expect going into this, despite having it on my tbr for over three years. i have heard the term “dark academia” used to describe it, though i wouldn’t say that’s completely accurate as typical dark academic themes (perfectionism, elitism, etc.) were not explored. nevertheless, i really enjoyed this book, and especially the afterword written by david levithan. i’d recommend this to anyone looking for a short, yet impactful, classic.

constantlythinking's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

GENE AND FINNY DESERVED TO BE TOGETHER AAAAAAA

the tree scene broke me (literally)

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gottagoto's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

joelreads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

josh_marsh0's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

I’m the first person to criticize when people call a friendship between two men gay simply because it’s emotional and close. HOWEVER this was in fact homosexual

gracieschnitker's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

orange_treez's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I was honestly waiting to be moved by something in this book but it never happened. While I liked the seasonal description and dialogue there was definitely depth and nuance missing. Probably just because the book is older.

Content Warnings