A Separate Peace (1959) novel tells the story of a teenage student’s maturing at a preparatory school during World War II. In this context, the novel’s setting and plot were greatly influenced by the author’s (John Knowles) personal experiences at Phillips Exeter Academy, where book and the author’s real life are the origins of a protagonist (Gene Forrester), summer sessions the protagonist attended, and a club with an initiation stunt. In addition, another character (Finny) was inspired by the author’s club co-member. Nevertheless, according to Knowles, the book’s larger themes have no real-life basis, as the author’s high school years cannot be described by envy, alienation, or violence.
The public warmly accepted the novel, and it won two literary awards, allowing Knowles to become a full-time writer. The first award (William Faulkner Foundation Award) was provided in the category of a notable first novel. In turn, the second award (Rosenthal Award of the National Institute of Arts and Letters) was given to A Separate Peace as a work of considerable literary achievement.
Knowles has two more novels exploring the setting of educational institutions. For example, The Paragon (1971) novel is set at Yale University – the university Knowles attended himself. It describes a story of a student searching for his true self. Another example is a sequel to A Separate Peace called Peace Breaks Out (1981), picturing the same student rivalry setting but from their young teacher’s perspective.
Knowles continued exploring new themes and topics in his novels, but none of them overshadowed his first creation. In an interview, Knowles commented that, despite feeling discouraged about it, he does not mind that a single book holds his entire reputation. In particular, Knowles noted that A Separate Peace launched his career and provided him with enough funds to live freely for three decades, not having to do anything else.
In 1978, Knowles returned to Phillips Exeter Academy to inspire Peace Breaks Out and address alums and other students. He reviewed his manuscript of A Separate Peace and donated it to the Academy. I think he did so as a gratitude for what his alma mater has given him in the past – education, socialization, and memories. It would not be surprising that an institution still had a hold on him even after so many years.