#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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What a wonderful read! A pleasure and a surprise in this sweet book!
Don’t miss it! Great original story!
So much fun to read.
I had not idea, although well-read and very political, that the Channel Islands were taken over by the Nazis during World War II. This book warmed me as few others have. All I can tell you is that when I finished this wonderful, small book (Wish it had been much longer) I missed the characters. I really missed them. It felt as if a good friend had …
This is one of the best historical reads…I’ve had given this book as gifts to several family members and friends. Loved the letter format. FABULOUS read.
Great story. I find it hard to believe that it’s not true. I loved the book and later, I liked the movie very much, which is rare for me.
Well written and lots of insight into the Channel Islands
dont remembe rthis one
This is one of my favorite books which I recommend highly to my friends and given as gifts. The story is inspirational. An English island is under German control during World War Ii and how life was greatly changed under their rule. You laugh, cry and cheer all while reading this wonderful book.
A beautiful story…so well written. Makes you want to visit Guernsey straight away. I fell on love with the characters.
It was fun because of the other material I was reading of that time era but overall it wasn’t a book I would normally pick up. We read this in book club and it does make for good discussion.
Met some great characters. Learned about a historical time period and place. Now I want to visit Guernsey and it definitely had a few twists.
A good read and a great choice for book groups, which is how I came across it.
Added to knowledge of how people adapted to war 11
Enjoyable read. Could not put down.
The brave folks made the best of what they had and survived.
Good one!!
so inspiring, especially because it is based on a real happening.
Dreamy! I savored every word.
Absolutely loved it. Have bought several copies for Christmas gifts.