The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Books

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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.

Customer Reviews: Read 139 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Really fine epistolary historical novel. September 6, 2008
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a rare gem of a book; in its epistolary (letters written back and forth) fashion, it illuminates a vanished time (World War II under the Germans) in a place very few people know much about, the Channel Islands off of the United Kingdom proper.

This novel has it all -- the historical research is spot on, the characters are interesting and well-developed, and I truly believed in both the "present" of this novel (1946) and the recent "past" occupation under the Germans.

I firmly recommend this novel and will be looking for whatever Mary Ann Shaffer and her writing partner author next.

Five stars, highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars

Just what I wanted September 6, 2008
I've been interested in novels written in the form of letters for a while. I particularly enjoyed the characters, the history lesson, and the combination of what was said/written and what was not. The central romance was pretty obvious from early on but other than that, good work!

2 out of 5 stars

Depends on what you want in a book September 5, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This novel is comprised of a series of letters from a developing group of friends. The main character is a writer whose editor is an old friend, the brother of another friend, and a quietly jealous observer of the main character's growing attachment for another admirer.

While I admit to some curiosity about some decisions the main character has to make about her tragic past and the consequences of a newly-ended war in the present, I just felt this novel could have been a bit more "evolved" about its approach to religion. The slams are frequent and harsh, and you get the sense there's a strong anti-religious crusade that is always vying for your attention so you can't really pay attention to the story itself. And it ruins all the fun. It's like baking a roast in the oven and garnishing it and presenting it with thoughtful perfection, only for your guest to discover you used sugar instead of salt to season it with. It seems in the 21st century we're all expected to be a bit more tolerant and sensitive than that. I just got tired of it. It marred what could have been a very nice work.

So what did this fictional writer with the sharp wit and a penchant for launching projectiles (books, teapots...)at her book-reading audiences decide about her seething disdain for the pursuit of a better life?

I just couldn't tolerate the slams long enough to find out. A pity.

3 out of 5 stars

I don't usually read novels but................... September 4, 2008
I have read much about Guernsey during the German occupation and that was that. As I said, I do not read novels but this had a real feel of those times and the people, I am sure did much to liven their spirits and keep the eyes of German SS away. I liked it and my friend is now reading it!

5 out of 5 stars

A wonderfully quirky, romantic, funny book you will love September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

One of my author friends, Dennis Batchelder, author of Soul Identity, mentioned The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - that he was reading it and thought it would be a great read for others. This is like where do chefs like to go out to eat on their days off - you look to see so you can experience the best.
And the best is this sweet book. Yes it is different - but it is something I as a fledgling writer would love to use as inspiration -
This book not only entertains with a young writer in London, post WWII, who has found success with her observations, being contacted by a gentleman in Guernsey, but a history lesson, so subtle and exquisite, it tells us of the German occupation in Guernsey - I for one didn't know that the Germans were that close to mainland UK - that is one more frightening fact, that is not known by many.
Juliet Ashton, gets the letter from Dawsey Adams in Guernsey. He has an old book of hers and wants to ask for information on an author, and starts to tell her about the Literary Society his friends have formed.
So starts a lovely and touching correspondence between Juliet, Dawsey, and all his friends, and the correspondence from Juliet and her publishing friends -
Yes - it is a book of letters and telegrams - and it envelopes you in its web and you feel you are a part of the Literary Society yourself.
This is a book of the love of the written word, from ordinary folks just trying to survive in a horrible time, and who, through their bond, triumph.
It is a different book, filled with delightful characters and situations, and one you will love as much as I.

Good Grape Wine Company