#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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Eye opening account of WWII occupation
It was magical.
An interesting read!
This book was so different from anything I normally read. I’m thinking I should branch out a little more now as I enjoyed it so much. The epistolary style takes a little getting used to if you’ve never read a story written this way before, and before I did, I would’ve thought I’d not be able to connect to the characters …
Terrific. Recommend this book.
One of my favorite reads, even after a few years.
I loved it!
I really enjoyed this book! It hit me on an emotional level most books aspire to, but few achieve.
I loved this book. I had no idea the Germans had occupied this island during WWll. Every character in this story becomes memorable. It is a lovely romantic story with a happy ending.
What a marvelous book. It provides a clear view of one small island in the great war – world war two. It showed human beings compassion for one another and need for contact. The book club they form meets many human needs. The movie that followed the book was also true to the novel. I highly
Our book club read this book. It makes for a wonderful discussion.
Interesting historical fiction. Some of the villainy of certain countries and businesses that is part of this story is real and awful.
Historical fiction that doesn’t break your heart.
Very different story from WWW II. My book club isn’t quite this dangerous thankfully!
Great story about the way people survived on a British island when the Nazis took over during the Second World War. Written in letter style, but lots of fun moments as the natives outwit the Nazi invaders.
Somewhat sad historical fiction of German occupation of an island off the coast of ,England during World War II. Eye-opening.
Very interesting look at life during the war.
Even if you’ve seen the movie, read the book. It’s so much better! A story of WW2 and how residents of the Isle of Guernsey cope with Nazi occupation.
Top three books I’ve ever read in the past ten years.
WONDERFUL book and I loved the characters. They seemed like everyday people but were very brave and accomplished a great deal. Don’t miss this one.
Not knowing what to expect, I read this with a book club. It has become one of my favorites to learn history and about personalities. Delightful reading, with fun characters inside of truly dramatic world situations.