#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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This epistolary roll-out of a nearly hidden part of Second World War history, concerning civilians, thrums with village life and personalities.
This is one of those books that is so discussible and yet individually enjoyable as well. A truly memorable historical novel.
One of the best books I have ever read
I relished this book for its authentic historical pictures of the Channel Isle. Love, courage and compassion top the list characterizing this difficult time in the lives of its witty and distinct characters. I even baked a pie for our reading group , making a few alterations to make it more palatable.
Great WWII book!
The wonderful characters keep you glued to your book.
dont get me wrong i enjoy women’s fiction even thought im a boy and what else are you suppost to do with fiction books?
Charming and adorable.
Love to read about WW2. Small towns and how they the people’s lives were effective during the war.
Loved this book. Learned some things about the Channel Islands during the war and got a great read out of it at the same time!
A new twist to WWII stories taking place on an island (Guernsey) off of England. Proud citizens deciding to do what they can to support their country during the war.
What a sweet, lovely, thoroughly enjoyable book that still manages to portray some of the horrors, moral complexities, and moments of humanity war and occupation bring about– more like 4.5 stars. My only real complaint is that Part 2 ended too soon. The audiobook was beautifully done and I whole-heartedly recommend for anyone who loves a good …
Taught a bit of history. Great eye opener into war time and new perspectives.
Loved this book – I could not put it down and will read it again and again!
Great story. I learned something which I like to do with a book . I would recommend this as a good read/
This gorgeous epistolary love story delves into how the quirky islanders of Guernsey survived the German Occupation.
I love this book about strong women, the importance of literature in drawing people together and following your heart.
The resourcefulness and the humanity of the people of Guernsey during WWII is a tribute to the human race. There is beauty and humor in the worst of times.
I liv
I love
ed this book. A series of letters concerning life during WW2.
Different. Creative. Informative