"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 …
"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. From the Hardcover edition.
Review of 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Feel good with witty and warm writing. One of those books where the enjoyable reading experience makes up for the issues that prop up with subsequent critical reflection.
Review of 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
This was delightful. At first, it masqueraded as a light, humorous tale, but then it became a lot more than that. And I learned something; I was not aware that the Channel Islands were occupied during WWII. This was yet another war experience I'd never heard before, and the characters were very likeable.
I now have another destination for my bucket list, too. This is a short novel that packed quite a punch!
Review of 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Lovely little book. The second part, after Juliet's travel to Guernsey is less evocative and takes something off the superb atmosphere of the first part. Still it tells a great story and I think makes anyone start planning a trip to the Canal islands!