Publication Date:July 29, 2008 Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Editorial Reviews:
Product Description “ 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.
Officially one of my favorites everNovember 30, 2008 Great historical fiction - easy read but pulls you into the story line from the start. By the end of the book, I wanted to move to Guernsey and have these characters as friends.
Reminded me of the Jan Karon books in tone but there was considerably more story per page.
absolutely charming!November 30, 2008 This book was delightful, thoughtful, and poignant. Colorful characters, a beautiful seaside setting, and a desperate and trying era, come together in a unique and hopeful story.
Warm, feel good rendition amidst the darkness of WWIINovember 30, 2008 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
The story is set in the mid-1940's as the UK recovers from WWII. Juliet Ashton is the central character - she is in her 30's - - lives in London - - and is a successful newspaper columnist who is looking for her next story idea. By chance, she receives a letter from a resident on Guernsey in the Channel Islands who pulls her into a series of letter exchanges between other residents of Guernsey. She finds herself building close relationships with Guernsey residents and becomes immersed in the history of the Island and the residents during the Nazi occupation during WWII - including the evacuation of children to England -- the starvation of the residents and the Nazi slaves and the horrors of the concentration camps. Juliet decides to make a trip to Guernsey to build the foundation for her story.
My assessment of the novel:
1) It is a quick read
2) It is charming, clever, entertaining and enlightening story on a subject that can be best described as dark
3) The central characters in the story are colorful - with a deep sense of right and wrong - describing acts of courage, fortitude, endurance and most of all - survival.
4) This is a "feel good" book that is interspersed with horrific stories of the occupation and the evil of the Nazi regime
5) The authors have an effective visual writing style - you'll want to visit Guernsey to see the cliffs, the ocean, the gardens, the landscape - and meet the residents of the community.
Won me over...November 29, 2008 I limit five star reviews to books I rearrange my life around. Such was the case with "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." I kept pushing back my schedule to read further into it; I almost skipped out on Thanksgiving dinner until logic got me back on track. This is one of those books you want to savor and not rush through because it is a rare treat, but you just can't help yourself either.
I can't put my finger on what I liked about this one so much. It isn't the most original idea; in fact it bears a certain resemblance to those quirky British comedies about outsiders from the city being won over by the charms of country life. The lead character, Juliet, didn't seem entirely British to me; she could just as well have been an American character. And it's all a little too perfect, as these books always are. And, yet, I thoroughly enjoyed it, including some very creative twists towards the end.
This is going on the list of favorite books of the year.
okNovember 29, 2008 I had read the previous reviews on this book and could not wait to sit and read a heart warming book . It was just ok to me . A good book is one that i feel you cant wait to read everyday , i did not feel that way about this one . I read it because i started it and i thought that based on the reviews it would get better. I did find the general idea interesting, about what was going on with the germans etc .. i just thought the letters got to me a bit to much and a little boring
