#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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Well done. Interesting material a different take on WWII story
I found everything about this book exceptionally delightful; character development,setting,story. Came across this literary treasure on Bookbub.
Great historical fiction.
I listened to the audio version of this book and I think that is what really made the characters come alive. This is a wonderful tale of resilience and finding joy in the face of terrible times.
totally off the wall and unexpected. loved this book
I loved this book. Small town life during WWII must have been such a challenging but defining time.
I love learning my history through wonderful stories like this
very good
One of my favorite books ever! I didn’t think I would like it when I started because it is written in the form of letters. But, the characters were so unique, the story so interesting and the writing so clever that I hated to see the book end
WHO KNEW?
Perfect for a book club.
This is a fun, easy, read. Reading this was delightful. How a town used creativity and resourcefulness during a very difficult time.
A wonderful book!
Enjoyed the story of the Channel Islands during World War ll and how the occupants survived.
Love this book. I’ve read it at least twice. This was a book club favorite in my club!
Excellent read!
Wish I could find more books like this….
One of my favorite books. Even though written in the form of letters, it makes a wonderful tale about wartime in the Channel Islands. I loved it.
I usually do not like epistolary novels, but I loved this one.
Wonderful book. Really enjoyed the ladies of the Huernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Read like historical fiction.
This is an epistolatory novel, meaning the entire story is told through letters, telegrams, newspaper articles, postcards, etc. This book is so beautifully written you don’t even realize that this is the case. This is a feel good book, with wonderful characters in an unusual setting just after World War II has ended. I loved every minute of it. It …