#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 the way it was written in letter form. It was funny and serious at the same time. I will definitely read this book again. So well written.
I loved this book. I’ve always admired the “pluck” of the Brits during WW ll, and this just made me admire them more. Loved the characters and would love to visit there.
I loved this book! A great story set during the Nazi occupation of Guernsey Island, it’s told through a series of letters. The characters are wonderful and I really cared about what was happening to them. It’s a classic tale of triumph over evil.
One of my all time favorites. Great characters and a story about an unknown part of the War.
One of my favorite books about WW11.
One of my favorite books ever. A unique way of telling a great story
Original
A great story about a little known part of World War II and the impact of the Nazis on the small island of Guernsey. Loved it! Great characters
Read for book club and all enjoyed the story and characters
Great story. Love all the characters!
This was our book club’s first read. We all loved it! You laugh and cry throughout!
Nice book.
What an exceptional work! Some sad history mixed with humor and creativity. Highly recommended.
A bit esoteric at first… But I became enthralled in the story.
Best book I’ve read in years … the ending was wonderful even though I didn’t want it to end, just enough romance and history to keep me piqued and craving.
We’ll written. Great characters, and a bit of hystory
A very sweet story about a different angle of WWII.
I enjoyed this book and learned more about the Channel Islands and what a wonderful group of characters doing what I love the most: reading and helping each other.
One of my favorite books!
The exchange of letters is the charming format for telling the story. Also, it presented a different view of WWII. It’s a book I’ll probably read again sometime.