The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | 
 enlarge | Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
Publisher: The Dial Press
Category: Book
List Price: $22.00
Buy New: $13.20
You Save: $8.80 (40%)
New (40) Used (12) Collectible (2) from $11.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  301 reviews
Sales Rank: 39
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.8 x 1
ISBN: 0385340990
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780385340991
ASIN: 0385340990
Publication Date: July 29, 2008
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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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 296 more reviews...
 Harmless Read November 21, 2008
I am surprised at how well-received this book is. I don't think it's five star worthy, but it's not a complete waste of time. I think this book would be universally appealing, however, because it's a classy, charming read, but it's nothing mind-blowing. It's written as a collection of correspondence between the characters and I think that's appealing to the reader as it seems to let the reader "in" on their lives. While I certainly think this book could be recommended to ANY reader (young or old), I found the writing a little stuffy. It's a basic format, but it's written pleasantly and harmlessly well. It's slightly romantic and a little sassy, not too heavy but not shallow either. I found that while the characters are charming, they aren't nouveau. They're a basic stereotype on what kind of people you would expect to find living in a small remote area. Overall, I found the story cute, but unsurprising and unimaginative.
 The Lost Art of Letter Writing November 20, 2008
They say the art of letter writing has been lost and replaced by quick disjointed email messages and, "IMHO," not much sincerity. No where is this more obvious than in this historical fiction series of letters written after WWII. It is a piece of the war not studied by many and a huge gap in our understanding of that era and the strength of those involved.
It is a format, however, that requires much looking back at previous entries since personalities become confused -- at least they did for me. After trying several times to read it, it became obvious that it's best to devote one sitting to absorb and understand the personalities of each of the characters. It is a sweet and fascinating insight into relationships.
As an avid Kindle user, I often analyze books based on their applicability to the Kindle. This book is better left on paper. I still haven't mastered the ability to flip back a few pages on the Kindle so refreshing the identity of a character would be difficult.
All-in-all, this is a great read in an interesting format that delves into the varying personalities, relationships, and survival of those affected by the war.
 This Book Will Warm Your Heart November 19, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm not much of a fan of reading a book because everyone else is, but if I would have skipped this one, I would have missed out on a true gem.
Juliet Ashton is awash in indecision; she has just finished a very impressive newspaper series and is looking for a new book adventure. Since WWII has just ended and everyone is still uncertain she just doesn't know what to do. That is until she is introduced to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and learns about their trials and fortitude while living under the ruling thumb of the Germans on Guernsey.
Told in a back and forth letter and telegram style, this book brings you the joys and tears of some truly memorable characters; people that have always lived together but truly learned to love together when an incredibly brave woman and a delightful little girl keep their spirits up during a devastating time and its aftermath.
This book will warm youR heart and have you laughing out loud.
I hated for it to end November 19, 2008
This is one of those books that makes you sad - sad that it has ended, because it is such a delight.
I found it a bit slow to get into, but the very device which is a bit slow at first (the book consists only of letters between the various characters) eventually draws you fully in to the lives of these intriguing and charming (in the best sense of the word) people. You (the reader) come to know and to cherish them. And you hate to part from them.
PPPie November 18, 2008
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a charming trip into post WWII England and the Channel Islands. Much as you would hang by your mailbox waiting for a letter from a friend, you are caught up in the correspondence mode of writing, as the story is told through letters. Similar to the BBC film Island at War, PPPie is about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. The characters are heartwarming, and memorable. I have given several books to friends who are also in reading discussion groups...which border on "ladies who read and eat". It went down like tuna noodle casserole and a cup of tea.
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