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.

enchanting

I loved hearing the different voices for each character. It brought the story alive. I wanted more letters and the story to never end.

Absolutely Delicious!

This delightful book has been pieced together like a magnificent, much decorated crazy quilt. It’s not just pieced together but has embroidery and ruffles and gold braid and sequins. The fabric of the book itself is velvet and brocade and satin and lace. I plan to wrap this book around me over and over. Do I love the book? Methinks YES ❤️❤️❤️

Don't let the name fool you

I will admit that I was a bit leery about this book as its not exactly my typical read. But I trusted all of the great reviews I read. I feel like I am the one reading the letters and that I am watching the book unfold. The author has mastered describing Guernsey and its inhabitants. This book was light in part and heavy in others and overall it was a great read. I read while at work!

Enjoy..

Beautiful story

The story was beautiful. It took me a little while to get used to the format of the book and the different narrators but once I got into it I just loved it. Really worth a listen.

Loved this book!

I enjoy books that portray a story from multiple characters point of view using a series of correspondence or journal postings. This is one of those books. Great lovable characters and an interesting look at the history of WWII and the German occupation of the British Channel Islands. I'm recommending this book to my friends who live to read. I probably enjoyed listening to the book on Audible more than actually reading it. Very well done.

Keeps you wanting more!

What a wonderful book! Each character was so well played out. The letters kept you thinking of everything that might have been going on in the background, encouraging your imagination to take you away. Each character was so well read by the actors. I enjoyed every second of it!

How a people get back to normal after occupation

There have been works of non-fiction that spoke about the occupation of the British channel islands. But the strength of fiction it gets to the emotions of that occupation, this is a story about how a people copeand live while they were being occupied; and how they healed after the occupation.

The use of different voices makes for a wonderful listen. Lots happen but you do have to listen.

Splendid!

I've listened to this 3 times over the years and enjoy it more and more. Charming, intelligent, well read.

Delicious

What a book! It makes you feel the entire gamut of feelings. The story is enchanting and horrible and wonderful and thought provoking.

Great performances

The book starts out light and fluffy and becomes more serious as it goes along. At first I was annoyed by the format - letters written between the characters - but I got over it, mostly because of the great cast of multiple narrators. It reminded me of "The Help," which is saying something good.