#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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A wonderful book!
Enjoyed the story of the Channel Islands during World War ll and how the occupants survived.
Love this book. I’ve read it at least twice. This was a book club favorite in my club!
Excellent read!
Wish I could find more books like this….
One of my favorite books. Even though written in the form of letters, it makes a wonderful tale about wartime in the Channel Islands. I loved it.
I usually do not like epistolary novels, but I loved this one.
Wonderful book. Really enjoyed the ladies of the Huernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Read like historical fiction.
This is an epistolatory novel, meaning the entire story is told through letters, telegrams, newspaper articles, postcards, etc. This book is so beautifully written you don’t even realize that this is the case. This is a feel good book, with wonderful characters in an unusual setting just after World War II has ended. I loved every minute of it. It is a quick read. Don’t miss it!!
this is a great historical novel. A page turner from page 1, very well written, wish it had gone on much longer.
The whole story is told through letters. A great historic live story with interesting characters.
I loved the book the first time I read it and then again, when I re-read it. I met the co-author at a reading event and was charmed by her personality and energy. A truly great read!
I loved this book. It was an easy read and I loved the characters. Definitely recommend it!
How many of us know anything about the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands? This book is an historic eyeopener.
Great story. Heard it will be a movie. Hope it is as good as the book.
5/6 – A lovely little book written in the epistolary style. I haven’t read an epistolary style novel in ages, probably not since the last time I read Bridget Jones’ Diary, and it was a bit of a surprise. The plot wasn’t exactly what I was expecting either, I had the impression that it was about how Londoners survived the harsh rationing and blackouts of WWII. I think I read the summary years ago, when I first added it to my ‘1001 books to read before I die’ list, and somehow in the intervening years it all got muddled in my memory. Despite all that unexpectedness I’m glad I read it. As I said, it really was a lovely book, with a charming heroine. I really liked the letter-writing style and all the different voices, but there were a few I wanted to hear from whose voices I felt were missing from the story. I wanted to read Juliet’s sister’s (Sophie?, without the book in my hand I’m guessing here) replies to Juliet, and also her editor/publisher’s (whatever he was, once again without the book, I haven’t got a clue as to his name) replies to Juliet, as well. It wasn’t enough for me to simply read Juliet’s responses to their letters and guess at the content of the original letter that garnered those responses, I wanted to hear their voices, not just the responses to them. Those missing voices are the reason for the missing star.
Great book. Taught me about a period in history I have not experienced.
Loved it
Hated this book to end! I got very wrapped up in the story and people.
A wonderful book, highly recommend.
Fun read for book club