243 pages
English language
Published Jan. 13, 2008 by Bloomsbury.
"A glorious, gorgeous, completely irresistible novel, Guernsey will win hearts everywhere. An affecting, emotional epistolary novel recalling the charm and warmth of 84 Charing Cross Road and the gentle wit of Alexander McCall Smith, Guernsey tells the story of a small group of neighbors on the island of Guernsey off the coast of England. A pig farmer, an elegant lady, a potion maker, a rag and bone man, a footman posing as a lord who survive the Nazi occupation in the Second World War by gathering over humble potato peel pie to talk of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and the great novels. With the war over, Juliet, an eager writer from London, uncovers just how dramatic the lives of these islanders really were during the war, and through them, discovers the drama in her own life. Guernsey is a real gem of a novel. It's that rare thing: a small story, simply …
"A glorious, gorgeous, completely irresistible novel, Guernsey will win hearts everywhere. An affecting, emotional epistolary novel recalling the charm and warmth of 84 Charing Cross Road and the gentle wit of Alexander McCall Smith, Guernsey tells the story of a small group of neighbors on the island of Guernsey off the coast of England. A pig farmer, an elegant lady, a potion maker, a rag and bone man, a footman posing as a lord who survive the Nazi occupation in the Second World War by gathering over humble potato peel pie to talk of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and the great novels. With the war over, Juliet, an eager writer from London, uncovers just how dramatic the lives of these islanders really were during the war, and through them, discovers the drama in her own life. Guernsey is a real gem of a novel. It's that rare thing: a small story, simply told, that contains within it enormous depth and heart. Completely accessible and immediately captivating, the characters are nothing short of enchanting. Gloriously honest, moving, sweet and funny, a sheer delight from beginning to end, this is truly a book to fall in love with."--Provided by publisher.
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.
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!
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!
