The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Books | Fiction / General

(3.0K)

Mary Ann Shaffer

Annie Barrows

The beloved, life-affirming international bestseller which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide - now a major film starring Lily James, Matthew Goode, Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Courtenay and Penelope Wilton'I can't remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one ... Treat yourself to this book, please – I can't recommend it highly enough' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray LoveTo give them hope she must tell their storyIt's 1946. The war is over, and Juliet Ashton has writer's block. But when she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey – a total stranger living halfway across the Channel, who has come across her name written in a second hand book – she enters into a correspondence with him, and in time with all the members of the extraordinary Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Through their letters, the society tell Juliet about life on the island, their love of books – and the long shadow cast by their time living under German occupation. Drawn into their irresistible world, Juliet sets sail for the island, changing her life forever.

Historical Fiction

World War 2

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More Details:

Author

Mary Ann Shaffer

Pages

256

Publisher

A&C Black

Published Date

2009-05-10

ISBN

1408803313 9781408803318

Ratings

Google: 5

Community ReviewsSee all

"This novel has it all: comedy, romance, history, heartache, loss, and a deep dive into a dark era that's inconceivable to many of us. I highly recommend listening to the drama audiobook."

Tristine Fleming

"A pleasant read, this epistolary novel centers on the wartime recollections of a close-knit group of Guernsey island residents, coping with their occupation by Nazi forces. Extremely informative: the letters recall with poignancy and occasional humor the rigors and uncertainty of life under occupation: food shortages, arbitrary military "justice", the toll on separated families.<br/><br/>Though the letters are wonderfully written, the framing device left me cold. The letters are addressed to Juliet, a fashionable and somewhat ditzy British writer who is planning a book on the Guernsey occupation. After corresponding with the islanders, she comes for an extended visit, and soon gets caught up in the lives of their quirky yet lovable circle. If you wince at memories of The Full Monty, Calendar Girls and other tales of eccentric Brits under stress, this may not be your cup of tea."

Lesley Williams

"I bought this book while at the airport. It did not disappoint! I highly recommend it. "

Maegen Bohac

"It’s a great story but I found the letter writing format combined with so many characters a bit difficult to follow. After I finished the book, I watched the movie. This is one of the few times I would recommend the movie over the book."

Kelly Decoteau

"This is such a sweet and leisurely read. While it does discuss some of the hardships of World War II, it is so hopeful and warming to read. I love the epistolary style."

Ricki Marking-Camuto

"Such an interesting and sweet read! "

Hannah

"Listening on audiobook and kept loosing track of what was going on. Might try hardback sometime in the future "

J P

Jennifer Payne

"50 pages into this and I am loving this epistolary novel ! "

Sneha Desai

"This is one of my absolute favorite books of all time I have read it multiple times. It is charming, funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and romantic. It is amazing how much can be conveyed through only letters, and how the author captures each character’s different writing style. An under-appreciated classic. "

K E

Kate Elliott

"A little history, a little mystery and interesting characters in an unusual format - really good read! #beenthere #drama "

L H

Linda Howell

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