#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
One of the best books I’ve read about WWII
This is one of the best books I have ever read; in fact I have read it many times. The entire book is made up of letters between the main character and others; but the authors were able to give each character life through the letters and you seemed to know exactly what these people were like. I consider this historical fiction, in the sense that …
Other novels of this genre have been better.
Fabulous!!!!
Loved this character novel. Witty even though it takes place on Guernsey during the occupation of WWII.
One of my all-time favorite books. The audio is excellent as well.
This is a wonderful book. I’ve read it several times. Two authors, one of whom died either prior to or just after publication, and that is a loss to readers. Set during WWII on Guernsey, the book is also a history lesson. Well worth your time.
Absolutely loved this book. Made me realize how close England and France are to each other and how scary it must have been during WWII. Very clever.
What life was like during the war. Great characters.
relates experiences from a little know side of World War Two
Given the style of story, Better as an audiobook.
Wonderful book; sweet and difficult. WWII German invasion of a small British island community and the resiliency of it’s people. Movie material. A great read.
Wonderful story about the Island of Guernsey dur9ng World War ll. Fun
One of my all time favorite books. Very enjoyable format and wonderful story.
The sharing of letters is a great way to present so much information. Even though it is fiction, I had to research the island and time when it was written Wonderful characters and interesting twists in the story. Which there was a logical sequence that could follow
This was such a good read. Pleasant characters, historically interesting, and realistic plot. Told entirely through letters, it was a very unique way of telling the story. I would have loved to read a sequel. Unfortunately, the author passed away before the final editing was done. Her niece stepped up and took care of the final edit. I …
I have avoided books narrated with series of letters. But I’m so glad I finally succumbed to recommendations for this book. My college housemother laws a child on Guernsey, so my fond memories of her made it more special. My daughter travelled to Guernsey to retrace this story.
Warm and witty.
I didn’t like it. Simplistic.
Simply my favorite book ever!