The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The author used personal letters from the various figures to write a novel about the German occupancy of the Isle of Guernsey during WW2. Once one figures out this approach it is easy, enjoyable reading.

„The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society“ is probably the lovliest, most wholesome epistolary novel I’ve ever read, despite the horrible times that are recounted in it. Juliet Ashton, a young successful writer, who has made a name for herself during World War II, is struggling with finding a new subject to write about. Until she gets a letter from Dawsey Adams, a pig farmer from Guernsey, that is. The two of them start a correspondence in which they talk about books, the German Occupation of Guernsey and how the Isle’s Literary Society came to be. Juliet’s interest is peeked and soon letters from different Society members start to come in. Slowly but surely she falls in love with each and every one of them and can’t wait to meet them in the flesh. I’ve wanted to read this book ever since I first saw the movie adaptation two years ago. It probaby won’t come as a surprise, but it is even better than the film and I already adored that. I love that this book touches on very heavy subjects like famine, concentration camps and occupation - horrible times that, for the characters in the book, came to an end not even a year ago – whilst also being a funny and fun read. That’s mostly due to the absolutely incredible cast of characters. They are quirky, selfless, tough and extremely lovable. To my mind, it’s amazing how well you get to know them and how quickly you start caring for them, simply by reading the letters they send to one another. In my opinion, Shaffer and Barrows created something great that simultaneously depicts rather authentically what it was like to live during WWII and warms your heart. This book really moved me and however much I praise it, I couldn’t do it justice. Highly recommended!