Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick has received praise for its raw and honest portrayal of mental health and adolescence, with many readers appreciating the emotional depth and unique narrative style. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's voice occasionally grating. Overall, it's a powerful but polarizing read.

A reader who would enjoy Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick is likely someone who appreciates raw, emotional, and introspective young adult fiction. Comparable to those who love The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, they seek thought-provoking narratives dealing with mental health and personal struggles.

The young adult novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick follows 18-year-old Leonard Peacock on his birthday, a day he plans to kill himself and his former best friend, Asher Beal, who became a bully. Carrying gifts and a WWII-era gun, Leonard interacts with various people, contemplates his future, and ultimately chooses a path toward healing with the help of his compassionate teacher, Herr Silverman. The novel addresses sexual abuse and suicidal ideation.

Melancholic / Emotional / Unnerving / Challenging / Contemplative

- Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is written by Matthew Quick, who is also the author of the bestselling novel, The Silver Linings Playbook, which was adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
- The novel delves into critical issues like mental health and bullying, earning it recognition for its candid and poignant portrayal of adolescent struggles.
- Matthew Quick has received praise for his ability to write authentic teen voices, capturing the complexities and emotional challenges faced by young adults.

**Leonard Peacock**  
The main character and narrator, Leonard is a blonde teenager who spends time pondering adult life, watching classic films, and rereading Shakespeare while grappling with personal challenges.

**Herr Silverman**  
A high school teacher admired by Leonard for his respectful and attentive approach, who teaches about the Holocaust and offers support to Leonard during difficult times.

**Asher Beal**  
A once-close childhood friend of Leonard who became a bully; he is a significant part of Leonard’s struggles at school.

**Linda**  
Leonard’s mother, a former model, now a fashion designer, who spends most of her time in New York and is generally inattentive to Leonard.

**Walt**  
An elderly neighbor who enjoys watching Humphrey Bogart films with Leonard, providing a fatherly presence in Leonard's life.

**Ralph Peacock**  
Leonard's father, a former minor rock star known as Jack Walker, who left the country due to legal issues and has a complicated relationship with Leonard.

**Lauren Rose**  
A devout Christian who Leonard meets at a train station, known for her Bible-centric education and attempts to share her faith with others.

**Baback**  
An Iranian American classmate of Leonard’s, a talented violinist who initially keeps to himself but later speaks out regarding Leonard's behavior.

Matthew Quick

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-23

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 18-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-29

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 24-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-33

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 30-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-38

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Chapters 34-38 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock Essay Topics

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock?

Reading Age

Book Details