Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Author: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
ISBN: 9780385341004
Pages: 304
Release Date: May 5, 2009
Publisher: Dial Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
From the back cover:
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.
I have heard so many wonderful things about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that I was almost nervous to actually pick it up and read it. At the same time, I knew I wanted to read a very special book as my 200th book of the year, so I decided to go ahead and give The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a chance. I was hoping it would live up to my high expectations, and I wasn’t disappointed. This wonderful little book is an absolute joy to read!
I wasn’t sure about the epistolary format of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – the entire thing is written in letters. However, I was surprised to see that there was still very good character development. Because Juliet gets to know the main characters through letters, I felt like I got to know them right along with her. Additionally, the letters made for very easy and relaxing reading. In some ways, it was simpler than reading a full novel.
I also loved the vivid imagery of the island of Guernsey. The description of life there during World War II, when they were occupied by the Nazis, is very eye-opening, though sometimes difficult to read. However, it is never burdensome; these letters always have light and hope at their hearts.
The small island community of Guernsey is difficult to resist. I can completely understand why Juliet falls in love with the life and people there. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a sweet, engaging, and well-written book that anyone, regardless of age or gender, would enjoy. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me this book to review.
21 comments:
Ohh MY! I ought to get this one as soon as I can! Everyone seems to enjoy it!
I started listening to this book as an audiobook, and it was pretty good, but the different voices for each letter seemed a little confusing. I decided to wait until I can read the book, I think I'll like it better.
I adored Guernsey (the real place) -- living there and getting to know the people was one of the best parts of my life. I really need to dig out my slides and scan them into my computer.
This one I have been dying to read. Thanks for the high praise. Now I know I'll pick it up.
Guernsey is one of my fave books!! Glad to read that you enjoyed it. It is just one of those books that makes you cry, laugh and just enjoy what you are reading. Loved it!
You're right, it is amazing what a great job is done on character development considering so much of the book is told through letters.
Wasn't this just a wonderful book! I loved it.
I enjoyed the book too!!!!
Oh my gosh, I can't believe you hadn't read this yet. I loved it too, and didn't want it to end.
I had the same worry that it wouldn't live up to the praise, but I just loved it.
I've heard/read such lovely reviews of this book, although I haven't felt compelled to read it yet. I love the idea of a book in letters, though.
200th book?????? WOW~!
I'm doing a review and book tour of this book. I hope I like it.
With the exception of the ending, which I found a little blah, I really enjoyed this novel, too. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the history of the war there. Great review!
200?!? Congratulations! And I think you picked a wonderful book to commemorate the event. :-)
I've been trying to convince my bookclub to choose this as their next selection!
I've had this for ages -- I must get to it soon.
I just got this book in the mail. I can't wait to read it and it will be another book for my WWII reading challenge.
I'm glad the character development in the letters came across well.
One of my favorite books of 2008.
i listened to this audio book and adored it!! after reading about it on book blogs, many people spoke of confusion with the characters. listening to it made everything easier--different voices for each character.
glad you enjoyed it too! :)
The title made me curious and that's how I picked this book. It is delightful and presented is a refreshing manner. As you rightly said in your review you felt like you got to know the characters right along Juliet as it was all in the form of letters. I stumbled upon your blog by accident but I'm glad I did. Love your reviews.
I really enjoyed this one, too. I hope it's okay that I linked to your review on War Through the Generations.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
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