The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | 
|  | | | Title: | The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | | Author: | Mary Ann Shaffer
Annie Barrows | | Publisher: | The Dial Press | | Type: | Book / Hardcover | | Publication Date: | 29 July, 2008 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0385340990 / 9780385340991 | | List Price: | $22.00 | | You Save: | $7.99 | | Amazon Price: | $14.01 | |
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Product Description
“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps 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.
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Customer Reviews:
• Good, Not Great 04 July, 2009
I have the same problem with "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" as I do with movies that everybody goes to see and tells you are the "greatest ever." By the time you get to the theater belatedly, not even "Gone With the Wind" or "Casablanca" would be able to meet your expectations.
So, it is with me and this book. Everybody was reading it before me, and raving about it, everybody was telling me it was "just the best."
Well, right before I picked this book up, I read "The Book Thief" (which I personally think is "just the best") and I read "What is the What?" about the Lost Boys of the Sudan, and then I (belatedly) caught up with Toni Morrison's classic "Beloved," which did live up to all the hype I've heard over these many years. So "Guernsey," for me, was a very pleasant read, but it paled in comparison to the three other books I'd just read. I found the other three haunted me for their treatment of serious issues and horrific times. "Guernsey" deals with World War II and its aftermath, but in a much lighter tone. I did learn about the occupation of the Channel Islands during the war, a matter which had somehow never really registered with me. I always appreciate reading books about how war and the decisions of leaders end up affecting so many innocent people. (Corelli's Mandolin, War and Peace, Cold Mountain, A Very Long Engagement, A Widow of the South...I could list these books all day...)
As with most things in life, I now find myself running across references to Guernsey--an introduction I read to "Les Miserables" points out in the first paragraph that Victor Hugo wrote it while in exile there, and when I skimmed the book jacket of an Elizabeth George mystery, it mentioned that the action takes place on that island. I will now be especially attuned to any reference to the Channel Islands.
One thing I did like is the letter format. It reminded me of "84 Charing Cross," which is a favorite book of mine, and a far better one about books and the post war period in Britain. "Guernsey's" characters are interesting enough, but not deeply enough drawn, and you can see the foreshadowing from miles away as far as the "plot." Still, I would recommend it, as a really nice summer read, and because I appreciate the fact that one of the authors (Mary Ann Shaffer) fulfilled a lifelong ambition to write a book before she died. I think that should be an inspiration to all of us would-be anythings--it's never too late.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1C56450XM082I
• Enlightening Story 04 July, 2009
Wonderful story weaved around post WWII. Wonderful insight about Europe before and after the war. Believable charecters that make you love them. Writen in a refreshing style.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1RH60IKLLY0OG
• A Life Affirming Treat 04 July, 2009
If you are a skeptic (I was), here are a few reasons to read this book:
1. The "collection of letters" as a novel generally irritates me, but this book has inspired me to rethink snail mail...these notes are that charming!
2. Each character is someone I grew to love. You really feel at home with this book.
3. You will learn more about WWII and the lives of those who lived through the ghastliness of war.
4. It's a book that you can safely (no, eagerly) recommend to your mother-in-law and maybe even get credit for having done something right.
5. Number 4 alone should be enough...
Happy reading....it's a real joy.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3QMQXKCRGHN2J
• The Pie Is Secondary 04 July, 2009
WWII sems like yesterday, and I remember a great deal of it. We were up to date in social studies classes and current events classes. (Do they still do this?) However, I had never heard of the German occupation of the Guernsey Islands; this is very interesting. History blends with the sweet relationships of many characters. The letter-format is a change.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2NZBX1QDDE8OC
• What A Treasure 03 July, 2009
I was immediately entralled with the characters throughout this entire book, it made me feel like visiting them and seeing their island for myself.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2CKQLWZ333V2K
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