#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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It’s one of my absolutely favorite books.
I wish the author was still alive; would have been glad to read more of her writing.
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed reading it.
A book club made out of necessity. These colorful characters of Guernsey make you fall in love with not only them but their story.
It’s sad and unfortunate that the author died before she was able to finish the book. I think had she been able to finish, this likely would have been a 5 star book for me – something I don’t do that often.
I saw the film before reading the novel, and enjoyed both immensely. The novel is written in a series of letters between the characters, which seems as if it might be hard to read and follow, but it’s exceptionally well done. I loved it!
I loved this book. Historically correct, a great storyline, complex and interesting characters, a little mystery, romance. My kind of book.
Don’t let the title deter you – this is a great story. And give you insights into the trials faced by citizens during the German invasion of the Isle of Wight
I remember that it seemed to be a slow start, but once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. A beautiful story with interesting characters.
Loved this book so much it prompted a trip to Guernsey to see it for myself!
Enjoyed it immensely, interesting look at the history of a small island.
Fantastic story. So many different feelings go though you as you read. I could not put it down. Seem so real!
Absolutely amazing book. I loved it.
Cleverly written by way of characters’ letters, journals, etc. Well developed characters I cared about.
I really enjoyed this book, but it took me a bit to get really interested in it. Loved the characters.
This quickly became one of my favorite books of all time. I wish they characters were real. I’d love to have a pen pal like Juliet.
Interesting ww2 story of survival in a unique way on the German infiltrated British channel island of Guernsey.
One of my favorite books. I learned so much about this time in history.
Great historical fiction set in the Channel Islands during WWII.
This was a story of World War II, but this was also funny at times and I cried as well. It was letters from one person to many others and replies back.
I wasn’t sure I would like this book but I loved it.