A Separate Peace is set during World War II at Devon, an elite boarding school. The story follows the friendship between two boys, Gene Forrester and Phineas (Finny). Gene, an academically focused and introspective student, harbors envy towards the charismatic and athletic Finny. This jealousy culminates in a tragic accident that changes their lives and tests the limits of their friendship.

A Separate Peace has been banned for its exploration of mature themes like jealousy, identity, and the darker aspects of human nature. The novel’s portrayal of violence and the intense, sometimes ambiguous relationships between the boys also led to controversy, with some communities finding it inappropriate for younger readers. These elements sparked challenges, leading to its removal from some schools.