Staff Pick
Written in letter form, this enchanting novel will completely win you over. Set in 1946, Guernsey's characters are utterly charming as they try to navigate the occupation of their island by the Germans. So vivid, so sweet, so irresistible; you will want to move to Guernsey like I did! You will love this book! Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
I have always loved historical fiction; it makes me feel as though I have a real connection to these places where all these amazing and world-changing things happened. Within the first few pages, Mary Ann Shaffer immerses you in a world with characters that you feel you've known all your life. You truly feel as though you are with them working through all the hardships and unknowns that arose in post-WWII Europe. The fact that it is written in the form of letters between multiple people gives it an intimacy that is hard to match; hearing of the events how and when the characters want you to adds a depth to the story that really helped it hit home for me. It's a quick read but one that will stick with you for a while.; Recommended By Rachel J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
"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.
Review
"I can't remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one, a world so vivid that I kept forgetting this was a work of fiction populated with characters so utterly wonderful that I kept forgetting they weren't my actual friends and neighbors. Treat yourself to this book, please — I can't recommend it highly enough." Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
Review
"Elizabeth and Juliet are appealingly reminiscent of game but gutsy '40s movie heroines. The engrossing subject matter and lively writing make this a sure winner, perhaps fodder for a TV series." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Reminiscent of Helene Hanff's 84 Charing Cross Road, this is a warm, funny, tender, and thoroughly entertaining celebration of the power of the written word. This marvelous debut novel, sure to have book club appeal, is highly recommended." Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"Written in the form of letters (a lost art), this novel by an aunt-and-niece team has loads of charm, especially as long as Juliet is still in London corresponding with the society members." Booklist
About the Author
Mary Ann Shaffer worked as an editor, a 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.