#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 proved again that an excellent story can be told simply by letters and telegrams. The story is based on the real experiences of people who lived on Guersey Isle, occupied by the Nazis through WW2 with a romantic twist. Loved the characters, loved the intimate history of the place and the connection of people to it this bucolic place. …
Got half way through and quit. Wasn’t interesting enough for me to finish.
I bought a hard back copy after I read it the first time I liked it so much. Loved the characters
Its a cute story set in a country most people have no idea about. Fall in love with the quirky characters!!
I read this a very many ears ago, it has stuck with me. The characters are lovable & quirky with a good message.
One of my all time favorites!
you will look for another from the author……a great, fun read.
This was a great book. Second time I’ve read it and enjoyed it just as much
I absolutely loved this book! I knew nothing about the setting, so found the background and circumstances very educational. The plot and characters were both serious and yet funny. I have told many folks to read this book. I look forward to reading it again!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it difficult to put down. Finished it in two sittings.
I loved this book. It was interesting from the beginning to the end. One of those stories you wish would go on and on.
I loved this book. It was never slow, had great character development, and a great story line. It also had information about WWII I had never heard or read about. I was sorry the main author wrote this book only and is no longer living.
Difficult to follow
I loved it! One of my all time favorite stories.
Loved it!
Way better than I expected. I love Historic Fiction, and these characters, the setting, and the story brought history to life for me.
Loved this book. It explores the German occupation of the Channel Islands. It is a topic of which I knew nothing. I loved this book.
Scary description of what it is like to be occupied by an unfriendly force. Wonderful to read about a little known and beautiful island off the coast of England.
This was a book I was able to “quote” ideas from immediately. I I was doing so and a Friend of mine said, “It was one of the books we read in our book club. It was “Wonderful!
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It’s been a very long time since I read this book, but It’s still one I always recommend to friends when we’re discussing good reads. It’s a little different approach to the many World War II books written now, and though it didn’t make light of the war, it didn’t totally depress to the extent most of those books do.