#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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Light read about a heavy period in time
I enjoyed reading about what this British island was
Doing during the war
Another aspect of WWII that I had not known before. Good story, well written, and the situation is true. Strong female characters.
You will never forget this book.
Loved this. Properly romantic historical novel. The central premise of the story has been covered in fiction plenty of times, but this really has more of a focus on the suffering of a small society during the occupation. There’s a perfect combination of humour and sadness, dark and light. I saw the film and much preferred the book (as ever). The …
Read it right til the end. Such great characters. Kept me pulled into the story.
Great read about Guernsey during WWII. Highly recommended.
To help me about women fiction
A brilliant epistolary! Loved every turn of the page!
Not as good as the original.
This was a one sit read for me, wonderful characters and a very good story.
The movie was pretty good as well.
This is the kind of book I wish I could write.
Great historical fiction
A great read with personable characters.
This is one case where I liked the movie more than the book. I had a hard time following the plot in the book. It didn’t seem clear just what was happening. The movie was beautiful and made clear the challenges of being under German occupation.
This is a remarkable book based on a real if little known story of a Nazi invasion of a British island. Fascinating.
Great historical fiction
I absolutely loved this world! The characters were well developed and the story was a complete page turner!!
A really fantastic read.
This book so worthy and I am not. I thought I’d reviewed this book months ago only to discover my grave error. I must make amends.
This book is the reason people enjoy reading. While I must acknowledge that no book is for everyone, this one is likely for most who take on the challenge. I imagine it would be difficult not to find at least one …
Great imaginative writing. I loved every minute of this book and eagerly anticipate more by this author.