#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)
more
this is a great historical novel. A page turner from page 1, very well written, wish it had gone on much longer.
The whole story is told through letters. A great historic live story with interesting characters.
I loved the book the first time I read it and then again, when I re-read it. I met the co-author at a reading event and was charmed by her personality and energy. A truly great read!
I loved this book. It was an easy read and I loved the characters. Definitely recommend it!
How many of us know anything about the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands? This book is an historic eyeopener.
Great story. Heard it will be a movie. Hope it is as good as the book.
5/6 – A lovely little book written in the epistolary style. I haven’t read an epistolary style novel in ages, probably not since the last time I read Bridget Jones’ Diary, and it was a bit of a surprise. The plot wasn’t exactly what I was expecting either, I had the impression that it was about how Londoners survived the harsh rationing and …
Great book. Taught me about a period in history I have not experienced.
Loved it
Hated this book to end! I got very wrapped up in the story and people.
A wonderful book, highly recommend.
Fun read for book club
Written entirely as letters was a different approach and took some effort to keep the characters straight. The story line was interesting and informative about the Islands in the English Channel during the war, which I’d never heard about before but I think I would have enjoyed it more in a traditional narrative format.
Another look at the tragedy that was World War II
Loved reading this book! Delightful!
This was very unusual because it was a part of WWII that you don’t hear about.
Enjoyed! Been awhile but would read again!
I appreciated a different perspective on the war. Great characters!
Very original and well written.
Wonderful book. One of my favorites.