The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

A Novel

By: Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer, Susan Duerden, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, Juliet Mills

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times Best Seller

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])

©2008 Marry Ann Shaffrer and Annie Barrows (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Beautifully Written

Best book I've read this year! The characters are charming, they make you love them. Letter storytelling is not usually my favourite style of writing but this book captured me!

I can’t rave enough!

This book is an exquisite example of characters. I fell in love with each character. This was one of the best books I’ve ever read!

Outstanding!

Such a sweet story set around such a time of blight. Full of characters I would love to know as friends! I did not want it to end♥️

Very Pleasant Surprise!

This book was recommended to me by friend. When I realized it was done via written letters, I was skeptical. But, oh what a joy it is! The character building is amazing ... I felt each became a friend of mine. Wonderfully done!!!!

Great book!

I love this book! So fun to listen to! Makes me want to visit Guernsey and meet all the characters!

Very moving

I laughed, cried, and learned history. This story showed the best and worst of people. The horrors of war and the honors of people who live through such times.

Wonderful

Throughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters & performance & a great story line. I highly recommend this book.

One of my favorite books!

What made the experience of listening to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society the most enjoyable?

All of it! I love the epistolary form of the book. The author(s) did a great job of telling the story completely in letters written between the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the historical aspect of the story. I liked the romance that just snuck up on you as your read it. I loved the positive characters.

The most wonderful thing.

Took me by surprise. Had I paid attention to the description and discovered this book was written in diary/letter format, I would have skipped it. I would have missed this warm, poignant, and feel-good story.

Great audio book

Such an interesting story about the only occupied British isle during WWII. This is particularly wonderful listening to it as a book of letters. I loved the multiple accents and getting to know the characters through their letters. A beautiful listen.