The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society...Review

About the book:
“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

I have seen very few negative reviews of this book and for good reason. It was completely captivating.

Juliet is an author who begins corresponding with a group of people who live on Guernsey, one of the Channel islands between England and France. During WWII this island was occupied by the Germans, and some of the citizens formed their own literary society which enabled them to socialize during this occupation. 

 Told through a series of letters between Juliet, the literary society, Juliet's editor and her best friend, we come to know a delightful and somewhat quirky group of people.

World War II affected those in Britain and Europe so differently than those in America. I am fascinated
with stories that describe the living conditions and how people managed to survive under such difficult circumstances.

This is a charming, witty book that conveys not only the heartbreak of war, but the heartwarming depths of true friendship. When Juliet finally travels to Guernsey, her life is forever changed.

Thanks to my local library for having a copy I could borrow.  You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 10/08

* * * *
4/5 Stars


Comments

  1. I love the name of your blog and I totally agree with you about Guernsey. It is fantastic!

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  2. I knew you'd like it. I loved it too.

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  3. I've got this in my tbr pile, and I can't wait to read it. Great review!

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  4. I've got to try reading this one again. I tried and just couldn't get into it but so many people seem to have loved it. Maybe it was just the wrong time so I'll give it a go again soon.

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  5. I've been meaning to read this book since I see that everyone is talking about how wonderful it is. After reading your review it seems that I'm just going to HAVE to read it now. ;)

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