#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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Wonderful book and movie. A must read!
First book my book club reviewed about 10 plus years ago. We all LOVED it. Highly recommend it.
Reading this book inspired me to take a trip to the Channel Islands. I wasn’t disappointed. Made the German occupation real
I don’t remember very much about it.“
I picked up this book wanting to read it before watching the new movie that came out on Netflix since 99% of the time, I like the books so much more. This however, was a bit of a disappointment. It could be because I’m not a fan of the “writing in letter form” of the story, but the story line was great. It just left me wanting more depth than …
A very different kind of love story.
delightful
Characters stay with you long after you finish this book.
This should be required reading for anyone interested or required to learn about WWII.
Read it for Book Club. A favorite!
This is a charming story about wonderful people in a time of total stress. You cannot put it down.
Fascinating picture of German occupation during WWII, and how the locals got around all the rules and regulations.
Once you get used to the “letter” style, it really is a fascinating novel. Full of twists and turns with suspense.
I loved this book. The characters were well developed.
Must read. Another side of WWII not often explored. Movie did not do it justice.
I enjoyed this book and the movie
Excellent book! I was happy I read this book after so many recommendations. It is worth the read. Beautiful book!
I loved this book. The ending was finished by the author’s niece as the author had died before completing it. Very sad that the author died but she wrote a wonderful WWII story that had great characters, wonderful connections between the characters, and a sadly sweet love story. Highly recommend this read for WWII stories and memories.
I loved this book- so sweet and funny!
This was a dslight full story of people coping with difficult times in WW II. It is set in the Channel Islands off the coast of EnglNd.