A Separate Peace

By: John Knowles

Narrated by: Spike McClure

Even though the war had thrown a shroud over the outside world, Phineas and Gene remained untouched by it. In the summer of ’42, the Devon school was a lot like Camelot, fairly bursting with adventure and promise. As much as Gene resisted it, there had been something eternal and unforgettable about that summer. And by the time he understood what life without Phineas could be—it was too late.

©1987 John Knowles, Inc. (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Leaking Water Sound

Great story that I had read in high school…obviously much better than when I was forced to read it. As I listened , however, I kept looking for a broken water pipe.

Good Story, Poor Narration

What did you like best about A Separate Peace? What did you like least?

A Separate Peace was a very diverse story. Gene, the main character, made his "separate peace" with the world. I didn't like the random darkness quite so much, but I suppose that's much of literature.

What other book might you compare A Separate Peace to and why?

Candide. The innocence to realism transitional archetype.

Would you be willing to try another one of Spike McClure’s performances?

No. At least in this reading, he was very monotone. It practically sounded like he was saying "and then... and then... and then..."

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe, probably not.

hi😊

My only issue is I wish he would read faster other wise it was good

LOVE IT

This story takes you away to a different time and place ... i truly loved it ... i just hated the ending ...

Wish I had actually read this in high school

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are complex and well-developed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene where Gene is outside Finny's hospital window.

Any additional comments?

We all were supposed to read this when I was in the 10th grade and like so many other books, I didn't bother and just read Cliff's notes and faked my way through. My loss. This is a good book with deep, emotional themes about coming to understand yourself and who you are.