Peace Breaks Out
# Peace Breaks Out

Peace Breaks Out (1981) is a novel by American author John Knowles, better known for A Separate Peace (1959). Both books share the setting of the Devon preparatory school, probably a reference to Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, which Knowles attended in his youth.

## Plot

The book follows the story of Pete Hallam as he returns to the school and becomes a history teacher as well as a coach. It is a story of the aftermath of World War II and the loss of innocence of young men.

It starts by Pete Hallam returning, war-torn and emotionally scarred, to the school from which he graduated. He is now a teacher at Devon School and detects a subtle but deep hate between two members of the class in the first session alone.

## Characters

* Pete Hallam – the school teacher and main character. He is a veteran, having served in Italy during World War Two, and is also an alumnus of Devon.
* Wexford – a "defiant, scheming troublemaker" who stops at nothing to go through with his vengeful plans.
* Eric Hochschwender – another student of Pete's American History class, of whom Wexford has a rivalry with. He often provokes and annoys him.
* Rob Willis – Hochschwender's roommate.
* Nick Blackburn – A lively, popular boy.
* Tug Blackburn – Nick's brother.
* Cotty Donaldson – Tug's roommate.
* Joan Hallam – Pete's ex-wife.
