Description from Publisher:
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.
My Review:
My Colleagues and I over at Historical Tapestry had a mini challenge going for 2011. Read the book that is recommended for you. Ana picked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for me to read. It was a book that I had thought about reading. I actually won a copy from someone but it was so long ago, I forgot from whom I won it from.
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read this wonderful book. It is told entirely in epistolary format, which was the perfect format for this book. I felt like a spy, reading copies of letters sent from one character to the next. The story was so easy to follow yet the writing so eloquent. The historical aspects of WWII were also well written and seemed well researched. I never knew anything about the Island of Guernsey and the role it played in WWII before reading this book.
There is a bit of everything in this book including literary references, tragedy, and coming to terms, as well as some happiness and friendship. I was able to predict the ending very early on in the book but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying this book.
4.5/5
Also Reviewed by:
Ana at Historical Tapestry
Did I miss your review? Please leave the link to it in the comments.
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I loved this book too!!
Great review — you captured the book.
I loved this one. My review is here: http://www.rosecityreader.com/2010/12/review-of-day-guernsey-literary-and.html
OK if I add a link to your review on mine? I think you told me once before that I could link without asking, so I’ll go ahead. Let me know if you don’t want me to.
I enjoyed this one as well. I loved reading the letters. It did make me feel a bit like a spy too!
I loved it as well. I searched my blog for the review and laughed when I found it. I read it back in 2008 – the first year of my blog. I thought my reviews were on the short side now but back then? Minuscule! Here’s the link:
http://wp.me/ptXKB-1M
This is another one that I’m sure I must be close to the last person on earth to read it but I haven’t yet. So many have loved it. I’m going to make it my mission to read it next year. Lol.
Kathy, I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it!
Gilion, I just linked yours. I would love it if you link my reviews. No need to ask. Thanks!
Beth, it felt like I was going through someones personal belongings. LOL!
Mary, thanks for the link. My reviews were very short when I first started blogging. Sometimes they still are.
Darlene, that would be a good mission for you. I am sure you will really like it!
So glad to see you loved this book! I did, too! Will link to your review on War Through the Generations.
Nicola, we don’t usually agree on religion and politics but we agree on books a lot of the time. I think we have some similar values anyway.
Anna, Thanks!
I felt the exact same way!
I just read and reviewed this book this week! LOVED IT! I was still holding back a little hope that Elizabeth would come home. The ending is pretty perfect too. 🙂 Glad you liked it!
Here’s my thoughts: http://brunettelibrarian.blogspot.com/2011/12/guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie.html
Brunette, I was too. That part was so heartbreaking.
Unusual title. I love books, that are really a series of letters too!
Pinned this to TBR list.
I started to read this one a few years ago and put it down. I’m really not sure why, and I don’t put books down often. I think this is a good reminder to pick it back up and try again. It seems very universally loved! I certainly enjoy WWII fiction.