Peace Breaks Out
Peace Breaks Out
Book Brief
178
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1940s
1981
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
Peace Breaks Out by John Knowles, a companion to A Separate Peace, follows Pete Hallam, a WWII veteran who returns to Devon School to teach and seek solace. Instead, he finds violence between two students, Wexford and Eric Hochschwender. Their tumultuous conflict, set against the backdrop of post-war disillusionment, escalates to tragic consequences despite Hallam's efforts to mediate. The novel delves into themes of post-war trauma, nationalism, and the harsh dynamics of power and betrayal among youth.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
1,193 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Knowles' Peace Breaks Out is praised for its poignant exploration of post-WWII disillusionment and the complex emotions of its characters. However, some critics feel it lacks the unique charm of his earlier work, A Separate Peace. The novel's evocative prose and historical context are highlights, though opinions on its narrative strength are mixed.
Who Should Read Peace Breaks Out?
Readers who appreciated John Knowles' A Separate Peace will relish Peace Breaks Out for its exploration of post-WWII tensions at a boarding school. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and William Golding's Lord of the Flies may also find the complex character dynamics and themes compelling.
1,193 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Peace Breaks Out is a sort of thematic sequel to John Knowles' more famous novel, A Separate Peace, exploring similar themes of youth and war set in the same fictional Devon School.
Although written nearly two decades after A Separate Peace, Peace Breaks Out continues to delve into the complexities of friendship and rivalry during the post-World War II era, showing Knowles' continued interest in the impact of war on personal relationships.
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178
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1940s
1981
Adult
15-18 years
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