Synopsis:
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.
Review:
This book was so, so charming. From just reading the title, I thought it would be somewhat silly. Thankfully, I was mostly wrong. I fell in love with several characters and the book actually taught me somethings about the Nazi occupation. It’s one of my favorite historical time periods to study and I found myself wanting to learn more. I did particularly enjoy the manner in which the story is written. A book composed entirely of letters made for an interesting read, albeit, occasionally choppy which left we wondering where the authors focus was. Additionally, the story is somewhat predictable. Despite the fact that I inevitably knew how it would end, it didn’t make getting there any less enjoyable.
**** out of 5 stars
I read this book last month and fell so head over heels in love with it. The language of Juliet’s letters is just magical. Loved, loved, loved it. Needless to say, I now want to go and live on Guernsey and become a writer!
I blogged about it here http://coquetteanddove.blogspot.com/2010/01/on-shelf-island-hopping.html
x
I loved it too. It was a little hard to get started as I tried to keep track of who was who, but very soon I was hooked. I wish I could write notes and letters as beautifully as she does. I didn’t want it to end.
I’m glad you liked it!! I was excited to see you were reading it – I wanted to know what you’d think. Charming is a good word for it. The word I kept using was delightful. I’ve of course read better books of both fiction and history, but there was some magic about this book. I just fell in love with the characters.
I had this book in my hand but decided on another book but after hearing your review I think Im going to go back and get it!!