3.5 Stars ( )

So, a classic of American literature. Assigned in high school English classes for decades (though I don't remember it being read in my high school), my impression is - meh. The writing is above average, lovely descriptions, but the story... well, just not so interesting. The plot involves a private boys' school just before World War II. The narrator's "best" friend is a charismatic, athletic, alpha-male, who has everyone under his thumb. The narrator, suffering from what can only be called a passive-aggressive jealousy, causes a tilt in the balance of power between them. I couldn't relate to the dynamics between the central characters and the setting was off-putting to me, but the narrator's guilt and inability to take responsibility for what happened rings true. ( )

This isn't a book about friendship, but about a young man who learns he has to put aside childishness – foolish games and juvenile goals – and face the true seriousness of the world, and in particular the war. The childishness is represented by Phineas, whom the narrator abruptly and violently sidelines, effectively removing that part of himself. It's an ok theme, but in my opinion better represented in Mann's The Magic Mountain.

some beautiful passages. interesting characters. worth the read. ( )

between 1.5 and 2 stars. this definitely got better as it went along, as gene starts to understand himself better and reflect on that, and his friendship, more. phineas (finny) was certainly the most interesting character in the book, but i understand why we can't get narration from him.

as a coming of age tale, it has some surprises in it that i appreciated, but it's not one of the better ones i've read. i expected more about the war, and some of that came near the end, but not as much as i'd have liked. still, it's an easy, quick read and there is some value in it.

there is no purpose to the framing of the story, in the first few pages, of gene looking back on his time at the school. we don't revisit this at the end; there is no reason not to start the narration with the story itself. it always bothers me when this structure is used for no reason. ( )