#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)
more
Exceptionally done. While it’s all done with written letters it has vivid expressions throughout. You can almost see and hear everything that went on. You definitely can feel all the emotions.
I can’t remember the last time I read a novel that was as smart and fun as this one. The characters just spring to life, it was a joy to read about them. Most definitely one of the best books I have ever read.
Excellent read! Great characters and a wonderful story of how such different people could join together for a common cause.
wonderful book. Worth reading.
A charming and enthralling story that makes me wish we all still wrote letters. I didn’t think I would get into a story written primarily as a series of letters but I found I could not put it down. It was a lovely story of human friendship and love. Definitely worth the read.
This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’ve been looking for something cozy, cute, romantic, and sweet, but also realistic and well-written for so long and I have finally found it!!! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society actually manages to accurately describe what it means to be a booklover. As a fan of …
4.75 STARS!
*Sigh* There are so many adjectives to describe this epistolary tale – Witty, heartbreaking, quirky, tragic, and romantic. Above all, heartwarming.
Because there are so many characters within this story, it took some great concentration in the first 10-20 pages in order to identify and keep track of everyone. After that, I had a hard …
Interesting book about folks surviving realties of World War II. Plot is rather light hearted, but offers aspects of war that are informative.
Great book.
Loved this! It is on my “Desert Island” shelf (If you can only take 6 books…)
The presentation of the stories through the letters at first was a challenge to the this reader, but once in the cadence I couldn’t imagine any other way of taking us into that world. It was the perfect format, adding to the feelings and tension built between the …
Informative and sad
Wonderful book to spend some time with. I loved it!
A good read/listen (I finished it up via CD on a drive!) I wished I had made notes at the beginning as to who was who; I got confused at first – but then I was finally able to keep them straight.
A terrific book, with memorable characters. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Better than the movie.
Delightfully entertaining! I loved the writing and the form of the story (as letters to the different characters). I found myself laughing out loud at times, smiling broadly at other times, and at still other times I would become solemn and sad. I would even read it again although I don’t often do that. I highly recommend this book. It is a …
Great book, rich characters, love the history aspect!
I could not put this book down once I started reading it
Please read the book before you see the movie. Book was fantastic, movie was good.
Great entertaining story about little known WW!! history