A Separate Piece by John Knowles

This story takes place where the narrator, Gene, returns to the Devon School in New Hampshire, where he was a student with his rebellious friend Finny almost 15 years ago, just as World War II was breaking out. This story takes an in depth look at the mind and relationship of two young boys and their growing respect for each other. Gene and Finny were roommates together when they became the best of friends yet they …

…entered the military, Leper loses his quiet innocence and becomes confused and angry. Fanny's happiness and peace are shattered by Gene's hurtful actions against him, and Gene becomes a better, more forgiving person because of his friend's injuries and early death. As Gene says, all of the boys at the school will change when they discover some oppressive, overwhelming force in the world; change is inevitable, as the boys in the book discover for themselves.