#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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One of my top ten all- time favorites, and one of the easier World War Two history novels to read. The language is elegant, and I will reread this book every few years just for the pleasure of it.
This book was so good i highly recommended it to others that loved it too.
Different,historical ,& wonderful.
While I read this book a long time ago, I still cherish images and feelings from the story. I firmly believe we owe it to ourselves to know all there is to know about WWII so it can’t happen again.
Enjoyable!! Just a nice fun read!
I loved the way this story was woven together. I finished the book wondering how the characters’ lives continued.
Such a good historical novel of WWII – I recommend it highly.
What a wonderful book. Well set up, delightfully written, new, lets read it again.
The Island of Guernsey as occupied by the Germans, during WWII was s surprise. he Story is told by the letters written back and forth between a libraran in England and the head of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
such a unique format for a book – just loved it! could not put it down.
I was not aware of these islands and their situation and role during WWII. Interesting to read this fictional story. Great charming characters.
I loved reading this book and being transported to another place and time in history. The characters are so distinctive. I wish correspondence was still a common practice. I liked reading between the “letters”, as it were!
Excellent read! Will read it again!
I read this book years ago when it first was released. I remember enjoying very much.
I enjoyed this book’s setting and characters that were willing to risk their lives to remain a strong community.
I found it very entertaining.
Just a great book.
Fascinating concept, great characters, and informative book about a part of WW2 I didn’t know much about.
Loved the characters in this book. I wasn’t ready for it to end. It was good to learn of the conditions during the German occupation of the Guernsey Islands but the juxtaposition with the current happenings kept it from being too depressing.
One of my all time favorite books; I could read it again and again.