#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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A MUST READ – VERY CLEVER FOLKS!
Best book I’ve read in months!! Beautiful.
Never thought I would like this book, because it is written using letters. But after reading rates as one of my favorite.
Initially, I wasn’t sure about the book’s fomat, but I was happily surprised. It is refreshing and original. An easy read. I really enjoyed it.
This is a fabulous book. It’s very different and it’s a great story. I understand they are making a movie out of it and that should be terrific. It’s a time period you probably don’t know (post WWII on a channel island) It’s insightful and the characters are wonderful. It is also WAY too short – you’ll want to know more about all the people …
I adored this book. In fact, I bought copies as gifts for a couple of friends!
The widely varied group of characters demonstrated that no matter where you are you can make a real difference in the world.
Wonderful!!!
enjoyed this book and all the characters.
Worth reading more than once. The islanders are interesting folk, ad the story tugs at one’s heartstrings. Wish the primary author had lived to write more.
I read this a few years ago and loved it. More history mixed with the fictional story revealing the trials of WWII and the strength and heart of the people impacted.
Start your own book club today. A wonderful way to point out the surprising joys of reading, even books you don’t like.
I love this book! The characters are quirky, the plot is original, and it is both sad and entertaining at the same time. I highly recommend it!
Wonder fictional account of how the very ordinary residents of the Guernsey Islands coped with the Nazi occupation of WW II with wit and courage they did not know they had. You will remember them.
Book club people would love this book.
This is a really good and quick read. Loved it.
I was intrigued by the title of the book and once I started reading, I was hooked.
It was a wonderful and informative book about WWII.
I loved this book. characters are believeable, different style from other history books, really brought them to life
I read this book as part of a book club. It was one of my favorite books.
Great characters. Like being in a prolonged vacation.