The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author : Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Rating : 5 Stars
Paperback, 290 pages
Published May 5th 2009 by Dial Press Trade Paperback (first published July 29th 2008)
ISBN : 0385341008 (ISBN13: 9780385341004)
“ 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.
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.
Source : Goodreads
The first time that I saw this title, I thought what a long title is this. It must be very amusing to know the moment I saw the word "Society" which is the final word of the title. I feel very compelled and drawn to that word ever since. The name of the society specifically makes me think carefully how on earth can someone invent that name. It's very unique but I feel that there must be a hidden reasons behind it, behind the story. I don't know anything about German Occupation. I swear. I was not even not that familiar to the World War I and II, but when I started reading this book, I've never been more curious to know more about it. I searched for the meaning of it, Wikipedia says that it refers to the countries of Europe which were occupied by the military forces of Nazi Germany at various times between 1939 and 1945. (Here it is)
I never knew what an epistolary novel looks like or how can I cope up on holding into the events of the characters when all I was reading is a series of letters. At first, I was lost into the track of time and events since I was used in reading narrative novels. But then, as I continue to read the book, to repeat on reading the book actually, I deeply appreciate how letters can be so meaningful to everyone. Emails or Text Messages may seems so fast and reliable from all of us today, but receiving a letter, I think that its an entire different story to compare how much a person express his/her thoughts. I loved the characters honesty and trust on writing them how they struggle during World War. I felt every pang of hurt and hardship within every letters. I nearly cried on how they express on showing to move on despite of the bad memories that they've all encountered. Yes, all of us have bad memories to share or we do not want to share, but this characters and their letters, they showed bravery, valor, courage and power to show to every readers how it felt to be on that time and day. But from those experiences that they've had, all of them stands very strong to show to the world that they've overcome it.
It was very pleasing to read since they were all united because they've all somehow shared same feeling about books and novels. They all have different point of views, whether it is intriguing or if the story was kind of disturbing upon their thoughts, they never feel no shame to share their thoughts to each other. That's what this novel make this very special and original. This book shows a deep love of books and also to the readers which changed their lives.
Juliet is so passionate. I love the way she loves books. The every detail and flaws of it. She writes it open-mindedly and creates another way to feel deeply in love with books. It's also the same with the other characters actually. The way they wrote their letters to each and every one of them, you'll feel that you're jumping into another life and time which makes it very unique.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society leaves a very deep emotional mark on every readers that shows how fate can lead into something unexpected. It refreshes a whole new way to clear your mind upon those paranormal and dystopian novels.
The first time that I saw this title, I thought what a long title is this. It must be very amusing to know the moment I saw the word "Society" which is the final word of the title. I feel very compelled and drawn to that word ever since. The name of the society specifically makes me think carefully how on earth can someone invent that name. It's very unique but I feel that there must be a hidden reasons behind it, behind the story. I don't know anything about German Occupation. I swear. I was not even not that familiar to the World War I and II, but when I started reading this book, I've never been more curious to know more about it. I searched for the meaning of it, Wikipedia says that it refers to the countries of Europe which were occupied by the military forces of Nazi Germany at various times between 1939 and 1945. (Here it is)
I never knew what an epistolary novel looks like or how can I cope up on holding into the events of the characters when all I was reading is a series of letters. At first, I was lost into the track of time and events since I was used in reading narrative novels. But then, as I continue to read the book, to repeat on reading the book actually, I deeply appreciate how letters can be so meaningful to everyone. Emails or Text Messages may seems so fast and reliable from all of us today, but receiving a letter, I think that its an entire different story to compare how much a person express his/her thoughts. I loved the characters honesty and trust on writing them how they struggle during World War. I felt every pang of hurt and hardship within every letters. I nearly cried on how they express on showing to move on despite of the bad memories that they've all encountered. Yes, all of us have bad memories to share or we do not want to share, but this characters and their letters, they showed bravery, valor, courage and power to show to every readers how it felt to be on that time and day. But from those experiences that they've had, all of them stands very strong to show to the world that they've overcome it.
It was very pleasing to read since they were all united because they've all somehow shared same feeling about books and novels. They all have different point of views, whether it is intriguing or if the story was kind of disturbing upon their thoughts, they never feel no shame to share their thoughts to each other. That's what this novel make this very special and original. This book shows a deep love of books and also to the readers which changed their lives.
Juliet is so passionate. I love the way she loves books. The every detail and flaws of it. She writes it open-mindedly and creates another way to feel deeply in love with books. It's also the same with the other characters actually. The way they wrote their letters to each and every one of them, you'll feel that you're jumping into another life and time which makes it very unique.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society leaves a very deep emotional mark on every readers that shows how fate can lead into something unexpected. It refreshes a whole new way to clear your mind upon those paranormal and dystopian novels.
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