The Brothers is the story about the Amonovitch brothers, Peter and Andew, fraternal twin. Andrew tells the story, beginning when they are in 9th grade, age 14.

They are called out of class and told their mother is in the hospital, in serious condition. They go to the hospital, where against the advice of her doctor, she requests to talk with her sons. She wants to see them separately.

In talking with Andrew, she pleads with him to watch over Peter, because she fears Peter's defiant behavior will cause him serious trouble in the future. Andrew agrees to honor her...