#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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Great WW2 mix of history and great story.
Delightful!!
Entertaining WWII storytelling
A fun book to read.
I thought this book was so well-done – written through the use of letters between people. Clever, witty, interesting and informative since it is based on the use of the English channels during WWII. A delightful read. Everyone I have recommended this book to has loved it!
I loved this book – 2nd time to read it. The story line is delightful; the island characters quaint. The 2nd read-through I paid attention to the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII, something I’d not known about before. The historical info is brief and keeps to the narrative character of the rest of the book. If you want a serious historical treatise of the occupation and the time after V-E Day, this book isn’t for you. It’s told from beginning to end through letters the various characters write each other. Some other reviewers hated that format; I enjoyed it very much.
Wish there were many more books as well-written and good as this one!
I felt it dragged in a lot of places. Good story just not my style
We read this for book club . and all enjoyed it
A sweet story of a relatively unknown part of the WWII saga.
Informative unknown part of history during the War. Delves into the lives of military families and their fears and struggles.
My book club read this book and we all loved it. For the characters, the situation, and this liitle bit of unknown history we all thought it was wonderful.
Loved this book. Have re-read it a number of times and would recommend it to anyone who wants an original story that will carry you along and keep you reading.
Difficult to read. It did not keep my attention.
The reader becomes so involved with the characters it becomes hard to believe you haven’t actually been receiving letters from them yourself. They are “regular” people who must go through extraordinary circumstances.
Original and a great read
One of my favorites! An interesting twist on the German occupation of the Guernseys during WWII.
Did not know about this period in Guernsey. It was a spectacular period piece.
Super book, read it if you have been putting it off!