The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel

Mary Ann Shaffer · Annie Barrows

Jul 2008 · Sold by Dial Press

About this ebook

#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 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)

Ratings and reviews

I think what resonates most with me about this book is the witty distinct style of each character. When I first noticed the book was in letter form I was hesitant to buy it; feeling this format may hinder the flow of the story, making it seem like homework. To my surprise it actually enhances the intimacy you feel towards the people in the story. I choose the word people rather than characters because as you come to the final page of this book, they are real, you want to fly to Guernsey and meet each one. I also love the fact that the book is historical fiction; it adds a certain depth and reality to the story. Most of what I have read on WWII deals with the years when the war was full throttle; “ Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” takes place post WWII when people are trying to put their lives back together. You still get vivid pictures of the isolation and desperation these people felt during the war, but you also feel the pain they all share knowing that some things will never be the same. It takes much effort to resume a normal lifestyle and the author’s presentation is realistic; at times heartbreaking, at other times heartwarming.

Completely predictable in its love story, but totally original in its Hodge Podge of island characters, this book is a rich source of pleasure and learning. We learn much about what it was to be both occupied by the Germans during WWII and even a bit of how unpleasant it was for some to be the occupiers. We are given a vivid sense of the deprivation that Londoners felt post-war. We learn about the literature interests of our eccentric Literary Society members and how literature has opened their hearts and minds. For some it may even spur an interest in the nearly forgotten Charles Lamb. I wish I knew for sure where the voice of Mary Ann Shafer fades and her niece takes over. I can only speculate that the strong Jane Austen-ish turn of the story is the invention of Annie Barrows. I do so hope this treasure is destined for the screen, either big or small. I look forward to see the casting choice for my favorite, Isola and her parrot Zenobia.

It was okay ... but I didn't think it was LOL funny. In fact, there were no giggles, sly smiles, or rueful knowing nods. One lady in my book group thought this book was hilarious. Not me. Not a total waste of time, but a wee bit of a disappointment. Especially considering I spent my entire spring break reading it.

About the author

Mary Ann Shaffer, who passed away in February 2008, worked as an editor, librarian, and in bookshops. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was her first novel.

Her niece, Annie Barrows, is the author of the children’s series Ivy and Bean, as well as The Magic Half. She lives in northern California.