#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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This is a super book. It’s not like anything I’ve ever read before. If you like slightly crazy unusual people with wonderful stories to tell, this is for you. I I visited Guernsey in 2013 while on a cruise and this book brought back good memories. It deals with the Nazi occupation during WW two, but it is not depressing by any means. It is …
Just finished this one and absolutely loved it. Highly recommend the audiobook because the characters really come to life!
“This obsession with dignity can ruin your life if you let it.”
Set just after WWII, this story is told through letters, notes, and telegrams penned to and from Julia Ashton and the cast of memorable characters. Julia wrote humorous accounts of the war that kept up British morale during the blitzes, but with its conclusion, she searches for …
A gem of a novel set in WW2 occupied Guernsey. It’s full of great characters and humour despite the dire times. If you are looking for a novel that will leave you more satisfied than a potato peel pie, this is it.
This was one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. Told completely through letters written back-and-forth between characters, a whole world comes alive. Set shortly after WWII, the occupation of the Channel Island of Guernsey is still fresh in the memories of its inhabitants. Writer Juliet Ashton becomes intrigued, and later, …
When I learned it was being made into a movie – I knew I had to read the book first. I’m so glad I did as it was so much more fulfilling to watch knowing the whole story. I loved the characters in this story and although it reflects on a very tough time for those who lived on the island – it was uplifting to learn so much from what had happened …
I picked it this week because of all the play it’s getting with the movie out. And, while I’m afraid to see the movie because I love this book so much, I definitely have pulled it off the shelf for (another) reread. I honestly think all the Quirkies would adore this story
The heroine is so alive to me–her wants and struggles to find herself in a …
This gorgeous novel is comprised entirely of letters between writer Juliet Ashton and residents of the island of Guernsey off the coast of France. She receives a letter one day from Dawsey Adams thanking her for a copy of a book she lost during World War II, which made somehow made its way to him. The book was a source of great comfort for him …
I so enjoyed this book. It was circled with intrigue, A group of non Germans on an island brings a sense of humor and reality to living during World War II and how under the guise of loving books they were allowed to organize a reading club which went well beyond the sphere of reading books and sharing them. Their spunk and intelligence and …
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was excellent! I love books that are a work of fiction but convey fact at the same time. I had no idea what it was about and when I started reading I wondered if I’d be able to get into the book because the entire thing is letters! But I did enjoy it and most of all because I didn’t even know the …
This was a Christmas gift from my sister in law, and it sat on my bookshelf until summer, when I started reading it one morning and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. It’s an epistolary tale and even though I’ve almost invariably adored every single one I’ve actually managed to get into, I resisted this one.
And oh boy, when I got to it…I GOT TO IT. It …
This is one of my all time favorite books. The setting was haunting — being trapped on a Nazi occupied island was intense. Yet the characters were resilient and full of heart. Elizabeth was a complete inspiration with her boldness and courage. A must read for every lover of freedom.
WOW!!!!! I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book. It. Was. AMAZING!! This was one of the best books that I have read in a REALLY long time!!! It made me want to fly to Guernsey and find all of these people and become friends with them (which, of course would be impossible. Because, 1, its fiction and 2. its set right after WWll ends …
Wow. Loved this book! It’s beautifully written. It’s written in letter form, and it’s amazing how each character has an individual voice. You fall in love with the characters and become completely attached. You learn about World War 2 and its effects. Beautiful love story. Altogether, a lovely, quirky book.
This book is set in a letter style, with addresses and dates and years.
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England/Guernsey Island.
The Year is 1946, 8th January. Starting off Juliet writes to her publishing company, she is having trouble writing a book. Both reside in London. Dawsey Adam’s, lives on a farm in Guernsey, in St Martin’s Parish. He found a book of Juliet’s and wrote …
This is absolutely one of the best books I’ve ever read! The remarkable history of WWII was beautifully woven into tenderness, humor, romance, and amazing characters! Must read.
One of my favorite books. Highly recommended
This gets a 6 out of 5 stars! Phenomenal book with so much history around WWII, and really puts a face on the people who lived through the German occupation. Wonderfully creative in her storytelling through the words of personal letters sent back/forth from different characters. You can’t help but laugh out loud at times, and at others get …
A novel set during WWII on the island of Guernsey, in the Channel Islands of England. I visited Guernsey in the 1980’s, and several sister islands, and could easily understand the story centered around the occupying German enemies.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in this war.
Awesome escape!