#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)
more
Loved this book. The characters were warm and funny, the story charming.
Good characters
Amazing book of an amazing story. It was a joy from start to finish. I really enjoyed meeting all of the characters and learning their story. The book has a lot more (good) details than the movie (you can only fit so much of 5 peoples lives into a two hour movie!) I highly recommend.
Unusual Post WWII setting, narrative letters. If you missed this when it came out a few years ago, make sure you read it now.
Excellent book about World War
I loved every page. A unique format. I learned some history.
This was a great story. The book is better than the Netflix version although I did enjoy the Netflix movie.
Beautiful story of unlikely characters who come together and find a way to bond under difficult circumstances. Loved every word.
I read this book with my book club many, many years ago. Just the other night,
I watched the BBC movie on TV. It was absolutely wonderful! The actors and
actresses were just as I had envisioned the characters while reading the book.
What a delight!
I loved this book. A historical novel set in England during the second world war. A wonderful read.
Loved this book
The book was much better than the movie.
Told in letter format, the Guernsey Potato Peel society is one well-worth reading. Not your typical WWII novel. A book lovers must read.
One of my favorite books ever. I want to go to the Guernsey Islands because of this book. I chose it for our book club and it got one of the highest ratings ever.
Great
Written in an epistolary style, which is not common, this book tells the story of a group of people who recount their anecdotes about the time of the nazi occupation. Unexpectedly funny and poignant at the same time.
inspirational story. Was not aware that the Germans occupied Britain
Loved it!
I really enjoyed it!
Have read it twice, fantastic!