The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Writer Juliet Ashton has come through World War II more or less intact, although her flat was destroyed by bombs. But she's doing all right and ready to start a new project. Around then, she starts a correspondence with Dawsey Adams, an inhabitant of the tiny island of Guernsey. They've been cut off from all communication with England for 5 years and are desperate to catch back up to what they've missed.
Soon Juliet (and through her, the reader) finds herself completely drawn into the wartime history of this small community. Through letters, she makes friends with people she's never met, and must reexamine what she wants out of life.
It sounds just too heartwarming and sappy for words, but I thought it was great. I actually remembered a little of the history of Guernsey before I read the book, but I found myself horrified at some of the things I read. I kept telling my husband - "Guess what!" and then telling him something I had read.
The characters are wonderful, funny and tragic and pathetic. The setting is so well done. I have to add the isle of Guernsey to another of the places I would love to visit.
I really recommend this book! It's one of those books that as soon as I finished it, I wanted to go back and read it again.
I read this book a few months months back and also really enjoyed it. It is a warm and wonderful book! Five stars! *****
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you had a new blog!!!! I am so thrilled that I've found you again! I haven't been sending my "clean reads," because I thought you had disappeared from blogging land. So glad you didn't :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful recommendation on this one, I've been pondering for awhile, so now it will definitely go on the list. :)
I enjoyed this book too. Definitely one I will read again.
ReplyDeleteOut book club read this book two months ago and I loved it. But the greatest thing was that the next week when I went to the temple I got a name of a Margaret Redouf (?) born in 1759 in GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS, ENGLAND! I was so excited but I could only show it to my daughter who understood but, really, no one else would. Still, it was such a fun connection.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best books that I have ever read! Loved it.
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed in your review! I loved this book and bought my own copy to keep after checking it out of the library.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a great read! I felt like you. After I had finished it (which I did in one night) I wanted to go back and read it again.
ReplyDeleteBased on your review I read "The Guernsey Literaryand Potato Peel Pie Society" and what an enjoyable book it was. I love books where you are not only entertained by quaint, lovely but odd characters but also learn something about other times and places. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that others have enjoyed this book! It's one of my top reads for the year and I even got a copy for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day.
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