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 136 more reviews...

2 out of 5 stars

Depends on what you want in a book September 5, 2008
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.

4 out of 5 stars

Different but Delightful - 4.5/5 stars September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

At first glance I passed on reading this book until people began to rave about it. I think it was the title that made me think it might be silly; I'm glad I gave it a try. I loved the book but I do think it is the type of book that would not appeal to most men. I found this epistolary novel to be charming and sweet. It had me grabbing for the post it notes to jot down a passage or two along the way.

The novel unfolds in 1946 London. A writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next project after the war. Juliet lost her home and her possessions which included a cherished book collection. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from a resident of Guernsey, named Dawsey Adams. Dawsey tells her that he owns a book by Charles Lamb that once belonged to Juliet. Although she is intrigued by this, it is his comments about a roast pig bringing about the start of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that makes her want to learn more. Juliet begins to correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their love of literature, and the impact the war has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, an unforgettable island, and what she finds changes her forever.

I was touched by the charming inhabitants of this unforgettable island who turned to literature in terrible times. Animal lovers beware there are a few references in the book which really upset me. Despite this, I am still happy that I read this book.

4 out of 5 stars

Charming Guernsey September 3, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

What a delight! This book brought me so many smiles, along with a few tears, imagining the characters and of course, the lovely locale. The "letters" were certainly a charming and personal way of presenting the characters with their stories and histories. As a member of a book club I was drawn to this book by the mere mention of literary society in the title and I was certainly not disappointed. A terrific book club read.

Good Grape Wine Company