The bestselling controversial novel about corruption and misuse of power in an American boys' school.
The headmaster of Trinity College asks Archie Costello, the leader of the Vigils, a secret society that rules the school, to help with the selling of 20,000 boxes of chocolates in the annual fund-raising effort. Archie sees the chance of adding to his power - he is the Assigner, handing out to the boys tasks to be performed if they are to survive in the school. Freshman, Jerry Renault, a newcomer to the corrupt regime, refuses to sell chocolates. Enormous mental and physical pressure is put on him but he will not give in - the result is an inevitable, explosive tragedy.
Robert Cormier was a journalist and author, acclaimed for his young adult novels with their uncompromising examination of contemporary issues. His novels included the prize-winning THE CHOCOLATE WAR and I AM THE CHEESE. Robert Cormier lived all his life in Massachusetts, USA; he died in 2000 aged 75.