#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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I love books written around actual events. This is one I have not read about. Interesting way to write a book, based on only letters going back and forth. The idea sounded strange and I wasn’t sure I would like it but once I got into it I had a hard time putting it down. Sad at times and happy at others. I look forward to seeing the movie.
I loved this book.
I loved this book. Found it to be a very charming story
I can’t say how much I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to anyone interested in the WW II and the post war era. I liked it so much, I want to live in Guerney and be friends with the characters in this book.
Our book discussion group read this one. Had a great discussion. Everyone liked it
Excellent book written in epistolary format about the challenges faced by the Channel Island of Guernsey during WWII … it is both informative and entertaining and suited for book club discussions. Try it .. you’ll like it!
Wonderfully atmospheric, recognizable characters, brings to life a little known corner of the war.
One of the best books I’ve read in quite a while! The format took me a little while (it’s written as various letters from and to the main character), but it didn’t take me long to adapt and realize it was the best way to truly give each character their own voice.
This could, in some ways, be classified as a novel about WWII, but it is so much more than that. I learned of the German occupation of Guernsey, but learned so much more about the human spirit and resilience. I felt as if I knew each character and so enjoyed the way the author moved the story along in such a satisfying way.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to lose themselves in a great read!
I was so surprised by this book. Even though I lived during the WWII period, I didn’t know about the German occupation of these small islands belonging to Britain. A wonderful story too,
Good blend of colorful characters and reality of the time
A unique writing style and wonderful character development.
I can’t wait to see the movie version!!! The book was wonderful.
One of my all-time favorite books! And it’s an epistolary novel!
Original writing style effectively tells a story from different points of view
I was in Guernsey just a few weeks after the movie with the same title was released! I bought the book last summer knowing I was traveling to Guernsey in May. I read it in March, right before I knew about the movie. It was enchanting! I just loved the style— exchange of letters among several characters! My short time in Guernsey was so much more enjoyable and personal after having read the book! Our walking tour guide made a number of references to the book throughout the day!
Just LOVED the book and experience of the island!
I am a sucker for novels written in the form of letters like this one .
Written as a series of letters between Juliet and the literary society of Guernsey, this quickly drew me into lives of characters I wished I could meet. Reading their stories of life during the German Occupation, both good and bad, brought out the emotions. Some were funny, some were more serious but all bonded them together. I was surprised how much I loved this book, how well written it was, and how it completely engulfed me in its pages! I think my favorite character was Isola; I’d call her the caretaker of the group. She’s generous, warmhearted, funny, and has seen her share of grief but it doesn’t diminish her joy. I think we could all learn from her; when life grows thorns, see the roses! I can’t wait to see the movie adaptation of this on Netflix.
Note: There is minor use of language.
Favorite lines:
“I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.”~pg 8
“Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.” ~ pg 10
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books” ~pg 53
A human view of the war.
I didn’t love this book, but I’m not in the majority. Having read many historical fiction novels, this one goes in the bottom half of my list.
My absolute favorite of all!!