"The Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society"
By: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Synopsis from Amazon.com:
January 1946: writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.
My Thoughts:
This is one of the most amazing books I have read all year. Anyone who has read it will tell you they love it, so I don't know why I am so surprised. It's an amazing read that focuses on the good in people and life's simple pleasures.
The book is really about two women, Juliet and Elizabeth. We never hear Elizabeth's voice, we just know her actions and the love she left behind. Juliet is an English author who lived during World War II in London and starts corresponding with people from the island of Guernsey. Both are courageous, funny, and caring; becoming, in the end, part of the glue that holds Guernsey island together.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a love story at its basis. A love story between people...from friendships to family to actual romantic relationships. I really enjoyed reading as these relationships developed through letters. It is easy to forget how influential letter writing used to be in our crazy, high tech worlds but it is true. The story easily unfolds through nothing but letters and it is clear the path the story is taking.
I really enjoyed this story. The world of World War II was fascinating with a wonderful story about the real island of Guernsey - which I knew nothing about before this story. Dramatic, romantic, fun and heartwarming, this story is for anyone who believes life is worth living - even in the most horrific of conditions. Love, Life, and Friendship...what makes the world go round!
Ah, yes, this was a wonderful book! My son read it for his Brit Lit class last year and loved it, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
Sue
I was supposed to read this for a book club a few years ago and we never got to it. I think of this book sometimes and eventually I'm going to need to read it. Great review! It's definite re-piqued my interest in this book.
ReplyDeleteNerd Girls at Books to the Sky
I loved this book! It was one of my favorite reads of 2011. It's funny because I picked it up not really expecting a whole lot...and I was very very pleasantly surprised. I think those are often the best books, where you start reading with little to no expectations. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteThe story is so unique, so well-written, and such a treat to read I placed it on my bookcase to read again this summer. The buzz about the book is growing in our town...it's that good. So, if you'll endulge me, here's a personal note to the lady who introduced me to the Isle of Guernsey and the lovable, charming characters there: Thank you, Corey, for sharing "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" with me. Your recommendation resulted in increased sales of the book and at least SEVEN more satisfied readers in my family alone!
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