#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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This book was written about a time I enjoy reading about. Plus, being a sort of coming of age for the female lead character, made it a more entertaining and inspiring book for me. I’ve seen the movie, and as usual, enjoy the book more. I heartily recommend.
This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved the characters and the story really pulled me in. I learned so much about what it was like to live in occupied territories during WWII. Who would have thought they considered running out of soap to be one of their greatest hardships (note to self, buy extra soap for three storage room)!
I can’t …
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a book about author Juliette Ashton. In 1946, while the pieces of war-torn London are being put back together, she has just released a best selling book and she is looking for inspiration for her next book when a letter from out nowhere finds her from a farmer on Guernsey asking for information …
This story, told in letters, is a riveting story between an author and a group of Guernsey Islanders who survived the German occupation during World War II.
My Goodreads review of this book, which I read in 2014, is one word: “Lovely!”
Brought back memories of life during WW11
Another of my favorites. Loved the characters in this book.
I read this years ago for our book club so I’m not able to remember all the details. However, I never knew anything about the island of Guernsey so this was very much an eye-opener for me. I believe the story centers around WWII and how it affected the community. I totally enjoyed the story. I remember thinking it was funny and very moving. I …
I borrowed this book from the library. I intend to buy this book so that I can reread it whenever I decide to. This was one of my favorite books of all time.
Written entirely in the form of letters between the characters, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society may be a mouthful, but it is one of the best books I’ve read. The story takes place in Guernsey (in the Channel Islands in the UK) after World War II. Each character is wonderfully developed and witty, and the story is too endearing …
I absolutely LOVED this book. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…repeat…repeat….The rich characters jump to life in the pages. Definitely one I will be re-reading.
Loved it
Set on the Island of Guernsey during WWII, this book has great characters. I love that the whole book is letters sent between characters.
Creative and original, filled with the eccentric characters we all love to read about, this novel is set on a remote Channel island after after WWII.
I was given this book as I was about to board a plane by my sister who only told me that it was wonderful. It turned out to be set during WWII on Guernsey Island. It really was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it but have your tissues handy. I was stuck trying to surreptitiously wipe my tears away on my sleeve so that my seatmate on the …
Loved this book. Book is written as letters to characters. There is so much one learns about everyone.
This is one of my all time favorite books. I love the format of this book as it is written in letters between the characters. Loved how you feel like you know the characters in the story. Helped you understand the plight of the people of the Guernsey Island during WWII and being occupied by the Germans.
Loved this book ! Compelling characters. A unique World War II story in an unfamiliar
setting.
What a touching story about a difficult time.
Very nice story- enjoyed spending time with these characters, even in war-times!