#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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Historically based; interesting and mysterious characters; how does your past effect your present or future? Would someone not involved in your situation understand the thinking and processing of sensitive information? The Netflix movie based on the book is almost as good as the book!
Great read with wonderful look into the history of WWII and its effect on individuals living through it. Interesting characters and unique story. Highly recommend
These very real characters were very creative in founding their literary society with a very different purpose.
Loved it! Didn’t want it to end.
Lovely story. Sometimes unexpected. We’ll written.
This book shed a light on one of the islands of England during WWII and what the residents of the island endured. The style of how the book was written was unique and it was the first book that I have read that was written this way. It was a fast read and the characters were entertaining. Highly recommended.
Set in German occupied Guernsey, this is a story about friendship and community in the face of deprivation and danger. The writing is witty and clever, the characters often eccentric but always believable. A feel good story that’s never corny – quite a rare achievement.
Wonderful book! For those who enjoy WW II stories and love the British people and their history, this book is a great choice.
This is a delightful book. It is not only entertaining and charming but quite educational. There is a movie also.
Good writing.
This is a great read. No wonder they made a movie of it!
I read this a few years ago in book club, can’t remember more about it but enjoyed it tremondously.
One of the best books I read, absolutely loved it!
fun, interesting, timely for the era
I read many books of World War II, but did not give a thought to the affect the war would have on the Channel Islands! Very interesting historical novel!
I NEVER give 5 stars. This book deserves it. Fabulous
Doesn’t quite live up to all the hype, but still a very good read.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Sweet, salty, with endearing characters you will fall in love with, it has history as well as love. It is brilliantly written! The movie is excellent, but the book has a lot more interesting twists and turns, and extra characters who add much to the story.
Wonderful book that transports the reader to a time when life was uncertain.
I loved the story, but I wasn’t a big fan of the format (reading letters).