The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

By Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
  • Release Date: 2008-07-29
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 1,116 Ratings

Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A NETFLIX FILM • A remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.

“Treat yourself to this book, please—I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

“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.

Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

“A jewel . . . Poignant and keenly observed, Guernsey is a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends.”People

“A book-lover’s delight, an implicit and sometimes explicit paean to all things literary.”Chicago Sun-Times

“A sparkling epistolary novel radiating wit, lightly worn erudition and written with great assurance and aplomb.”The Sunday Times (London)

“Cooked perfectly à point: subtle and elegant in flavour, yet emotionally satisfying to the finish.”The Times (London)

Reviews

  • Life in a very special place

    5
    By Gaga #2
    What a charming story of what is important in life. I couldn’t put it down.
  • 😭😭👏🏾👏🏾

    5
    By Whitmben
    Why did it have to end! I want to live with these people as my dear friends forever. I don’t know what took me so long to read this book. I think, initially, it was the way it’s written through letters but I quickly adored it. Such a pleasure to read.
  • Everything!

    5
    By Jburkes3
    I have never read a book without learning something, and this one has a whole lot of something to learn! I had never heard about the German occupation of Guernsey & I expected the island to be closer to England, than to France. I was also surprised to thoroughly enjoy a book comprised entirely of letters (the correspondence kind). The characters were wonderful, and the story-their stories-evoke every emotion! I loved it!
  • Joyful

    5
    By Cammie45
    This book takes one on the journey into the lives and loves of the Guernsey Islanders. It feels like secretly reading a stranger’s diary.
  • Please please please watch

    5
    By Big bees
    For all that is good in the world, I beg you to watch this movie!! It is beautifully created with amazing actors that you can really understand their character being portrayed. Anything with Lily James is worth watching honestly-she is such a good actress but this is amazing! It contains moments that will make you laugh, cry, get mad at, and get exited over! Please please please do yourself this justice and watch the movie!!
  • Grab your tissues!

    5
    By Bookworm00125
    This book had me laughing and crying! This is the first book I’ve ever read that was written in only letters from the characters. I wasn’t sure at first, but as I progressed, I realized quickly the format is what made the book so relatable and made you want to keep reading. You won’t feel like you’re reading about the characters. You will connect with someone and feel like you’re there. I love to read, but I was so sad to finish this book. I wanted it to keep going! Definitely recommend it.
  • I love this book!

    5
    By rachelausten
    I’d watched the movie three times before reading the book. In the movie, the filming is so beautiful and the book’s words are just as beautiful. I love the letter format that gives a greater glimpse into the lives and minds of the characters. Definitely one of my favorite books ever.
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

    4
    By Mzboots85
    Thoroughly enjoyable book. Learned a lot about the occupation. Creatively written. I gave it 4 stars because the ending was VERY abrupt. It felt phoned in. Would still recommend, however!
  • Great!

    5
    By McKenna janderl26
    I watched the movie first but after sampling the book I don’t think I can put it down. The characters seem to come alive in the vibrant writing of Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
  • Wonderful, couldn’t put it down!!

    5
    By betseylou94010
    I started reading this book after seeing the trailer for the related movie . I loved the letter format, and couldn’t for the life of me figure out how they were going to adapt that for a movie until midway through the book, and then I got it! Reading the letters between the characters gave great insight into their minds as well as into the characters in Guernsey !