#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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Great look into a forgotten part of WWII history. This is a must read for fans of WWII historical fiction, great for men and women alike. I really enjoyed this book.
I read this as part of my book club selection. Everyone loved it! The movie was great as well. It is one of the few times that the movie is almost as good as the book. Anybody who likes to read will love this book!
This was wonderful. It’s about the occupation of the Guernsey islands by the Germans in WWII. Which actually did happen. An author in London decides to base her next book on the society, and goes to the island to interview the residents. The whole book is told through letters between the characters and I adored all the characters. This will …
This book was a real escape. I couldn’t wait to get back to Guernsey while I was reading it. I want to re-read it.
Loved this book!!!! And I got to visit Guernsey Island…. beautiful
Superb once you become accustomed to the format. The movie is wonderful!
This is simply one of the most wonderful novels ever written. I can’t imagine anyone finding it less than delightful and fascinating.
I loved this book, it brought back the days people wrote letters to each other that were full of history. Don’t miss this one
Clever, calm writing about ordinary people who keep their humor and identity despite the danger facing them daily.
Loved the format as the story is mostly written through letters. Well written.
This is an absolutely delightful book. Guernsey was the only part of the British Isles which was occupied by the Nazis in WW II. The story revolves around the efforts of the natives to survive during the occupation. The title is based upon an incedent in which a couple of the citizens were caught out after curfew. They told the soldiers they …
I’ve read this at least three times! I love the characters, the story and the unique format.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in a series of letters, between an author and various Guernsey Island residents. The letters reveal what it was like for the island residents to be occupied by the Germans during WWII. I liked the authors cure for hiccups: “you pinch your nose shut with two thumbs, and plug up both ears with your …
This was a fun book to read because of the way it’s written. It’s also educational on an important period of world history. I highly recommend this book.
Most entertaining. Characters have depth so are very enjoyable to “know”. Wonderful story. Highly recommend.
One of my favorite books. The story kept my attention and was a different perspective on WWII. I learned from the story, which is what I look for in historical fiction.
have a friend who lived in Guernsey during the war. very realistic and honest. like the use to letters to build the book,
Loved this one and have recommended to friends!
The story is told by letters.
Wonderful characters that seem like old friends by the last page.
A book that I didn’t want to end.
Lovely book!