#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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Saw the movie first on Netflix. This book was recommended by members of the Facebook Book Group I belong to. The movie was good so I felt compelled to read the story. I listened to the audio version of the book on Audible.com – enjoyed that as much as the movie – maybe more. It’s original and the characters are three dimensional. I don’t want to …
This book of historical fiction explored life in a part of England that was occupied by the Nazis. How the islanders managed throughout the war under such circumstances made for a most interesting read.
I loved this book and found it very hard to put down. A beautiful picture of the human spirit and will to keep going, even in terrible circumstances.
I also learnedpeople suffered during the war with Germany and the Nazis.
What a lovely period piece. Loved it.
Don’t judge the book biased only on the movie. As usual, the book is richer and more satisfying than the film.
I absolutely loved this book
There was humor, there was sadness, there was hope.
It seems deceivingly simple as its written in letter form but there was so much depth in those letters
You laughed, you cried for them and you cheered them all on !!!
I could read this book again and get so much more out of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t want to …
One of the best historical fiction book that I have read.
Great story. You felt like you were there.
I didn’t want it to end! Using correspondence between the characters is such a clever way to tell the story.
First book that I treated myself to when I got an e-reader. Well worth paying full price at the time! Very memorable book!
I read this book because of a friend’s recognition. I am glad I did. It is a testimony of human spirit and our need to carry on in the face of adversity.
I watched the Netflix production of this book and that was wonderful. So I’d have to say that the book must be truly, truly wonderful. I will be reading it.
I love books written around actual events. This is one I have not read about. Interesting way to write a book, based on only letters going back and forth. The idea sounded strange and I wasn’t sure I would like it but once I got into it I had a hard time putting it down. Sad at times and happy at others. I look forward to seeing the movie.
I loved this book.
I loved this book. Found it to be a very charming story
I can’t say how much I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to anyone interested in the WW II and the post war era. I liked it so much, I want to live in Guerney and be friends with the characters in this book.
Our book discussion group read this one. Had a great discussion. Everyone liked it
Excellent book written in epistolary format about the challenges faced by the Channel Island of Guernsey during WWII … it is both informative and entertaining and suited for book club discussions. Try it .. you’ll like it!
Wonderfully atmospheric, recognizable characters, brings to life a little known corner of the war.
One of the best books I’ve read in quite a while! The format took me a little while (it’s written as various letters from and to the main character), but it didn’t take me long to adapt and realize it was the best way to truly give each character their own voice.
This could, in some ways, be classified as a novel about WWII, but it is so much …