#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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Wow! The title gave me reason to expect original writing, and I was not disappointed. I had never considered what life might have been like on these islands during WW2. English ingenuity and courage are highlighted; unforgettable.
Loved it! So sad that the author died.
I didn’t know what to expect with “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. I enjoy reading about life during and after WWi and WWII and how it affected people outside of the USA. This was especially interesting. Don’t be put of by the title. Read it and find out why it was named this.
Overall, the story of how the community on the channel island Guernsey copes with five years of German occupation during World War 2 was often uplifting and charming and sometimes quite moving. But it was too fluffy in its sentimentality in many places, and its focus kept changing, with the effect of losing its integration. The true theme was how …
I loved this book and have recommended it to many of my friends. It deals with WWII in an area you were not aware of, the island of Guernsey. I was not aware that it was invaded by the Germans. How the locals band together is a wonderful, uplifting story of human endurance during a terrible time.
Loved this book and how it was written!!
A wonderful array of characters who portrayed the historical issues during the wars
I loved this book! Aside from the fact of its different (very different) style — letters, etc.) it educated me about what happened to the Guernsey Islands during WWII. And the characters were so very well drawn — one didn’t have to flip back and see which, of the many — she was talking about. The narrative was terrific; the dialogue (e.g., …
One of my favorite books!
This story captivated me
a book that you hate to see end—-wonderful characters
I love this book! I’ve read it 3 times and plan to read it again in the future!
Undoubtedly one of my favorite books…and I read ceaselessly.
This is one of the most touching and endearing books I have read. It tells the story of the German occupation of Guernsay but from the viewpoint of the people who lived there. Such wonderful characters! I highly, highly recommend it.
Sweet story
I have never read a book that told its story by written letters and found it very interesting once I caught on to the method. I did not know that England had been occupied during the war. I wondered how I would have reacted to such a situation. I am presenting the book to my book club as one of three for them to choose.
Wonderful book. Easy to read and you feel like you know the characters personally. I highly recommend it and have shared it with my friends.
Every sentence seems to have a surprise turn of phrase, the approach is unique and the characters are engaging. The book is well worth reading.
I loved this book, I gave it to all the important friends in my life. It is a little jewel, so much fun to read, great characters, very informative about the war in those islands.
Based on events during WWII, the German occupation of Guernsey, the characters are inventive, real, funny, and brave. The main character, Juliet, is engaging and loveable. You root for Juliet to find happiness in her life.