#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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I loved this book!
Great insights into life on Guernsey during World War II and how a community survived those difficult times when beloved dogs had to be put to sleep and the community had to survive on things like potato peel. British spirit at its finest!
I never thought I would get into this book but after page 3 I could not put down so different and real, loved the characters the history amazing what a wonderful book a must read. can’t wait to see the movie.
I read this book many years ago when the book club I belonged to chose it as a book to be discussed. As I recall, we had a great discussion & everyone enjoyed to book. A male friend was very interested in the story because it included part of his history.
This is one of the first WW2 genre books I had read. I learned some history along with the wonderful story. Those were very scary, dark times but humans will strive to find a way to bond and protect each other.
Although this isn’t a lighthearted story, exactly, it wasn’t as harsh as other event in parts of Europe. You can find solace in the …
After several chapters, still wasn’t hooked on the story or characters, so gave up.
Wonderful story with insight into the Nazi occupation of Guernsey and its isolation from England. Told through a series of letters that illuminates the characters and the setting.
Loved this!
Every now and then in my reading life, I’m taken ambush by a completely engrossing tale. This is such a read. Drawing whimsical characters whose “stories” are intriguing, using both humour and pathos to reveal life on a small island during and after German occupation in WWll, and utilizing correspondence as method of telling …….. all these …
This book is in an interesting format of letters to/from many various characters on the German-occupied Island of Guernsey as well as in England. It is a study in the many different ways the people of England managed to survive during World War II.
Really a fun book
I thought a novel based on a series of letters would be a difficult to read. Not so. It was a delightful read.
I found myself saying: just one more page… until I finished the book.
Loved this book
Loved the unique format of a story told through letters. The most satisfying read of the year.
It has been quite a long time since I read this book, but I do remember it as a very enjoyable read!
My favorite if all time!
Couldn’t get into this book at all
Loved it! What a sweet, feel good book. I’ve read it twice and actually visited the Isle of Guernsey.
Excellent!