#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A NETFLIX FILM • A remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. “Treat yourself to this book, please—I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love “I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that … 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.
Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
“A jewel . . . Poignant and keenly observed, Guernsey is a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends.”—People
“A book-lover’s delight, an implicit and sometimes explicit paean to all things literary.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“A sparkling epistolary novel radiating wit, lightly worn erudition and written with great assurance and aplomb.”—The Sunday Times (London)
“Cooked perfectly à point: subtle and elegant in flavour, yet emotionally satisfying to the finish.”—The Times (London)
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A favorite book. Enjoyed the use of letters to tell the story.
I still hope to visit this island as it was so beautifully described. The role of the island and its inhabitants is a compelling one and this story takes us through some of the trials endured.
One of my favorites…..and part of my “permanent” library!
Loved this book.
Loved this story!
really enjoyed that it was written in letter style
Liked the “letter” format. Good story.
I was caught up in the characters and the romance in the latter part of the book.
What a great story, I loved the characters, I now count this as my favorite book
Wonderful story about WWII with a different set of characters and unique setting
This was a great book. It told a story about a place most people never heard of. It was interesting, inspiring and well written.
Written in correspondence form, this is just a beautiful story !
Charming with interesting characters
Such a pleasant reading. I didn’t want it to end. It was like saying goodbye to a best friend. Excellent story, memorable characters. Descriptions so vivid and sometimes poetic ,that the reader feels like he is there. Very interesting too, I didn’t know the Channel Islands were invaded during WWII, or how the population in the islands struggled …
A favorite read. The unexpected WWII story and how it affeted ordinary citizens at the fringes and what their ingenuity acheived.
Love this book!
I never knew that Guernsey was occupied during World War !!.
I’ve read this book twice, and listened to the audio version! Many novels in the late 18th and early 19th century were written as correspondence between the characters. the method works especially well here, and gives insight into the characters so well. it’s a very good story and easy to read!
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time! Great characters, great story!
Interesting story with good characters.