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.

Love, Love, Love this book.

I've listened to it 4-5 times so far and will probably listen many more times over the years. It doesn't get old.

very enjoyable read

couldn't be happier with the performance and story. Will definitely read again. wholesome and predictable but great nonetheless.

Elegant, delightful spunk!

Truly, I had read this long ago and remember the way in which letters could convey such a multitude of emotions and history. Recently, I saw the movie- well done to be sure- and the nuances in this reading are delicious.

Really great read! Couldn't put it down!

This was a wonderful book to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much fun!

Historical accurate

I liked the book very much. Historically accurate.
a mixture of fun and pain, all in one big letter!

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

What an absolutely wonderful story! How remarkable that the complete tale is told by letters. I’m not sure if the Author is just so talented that they immersed all the detail needed to describe what happened into the letters, or if letter writing, at a time when this was the major source of communication, was truly this complete.

The personalities and actions of this particular time, shown through each and every correspondence. I couldn’t stop listening to this book! The performers brought such life to their letters and I enjoyed every minute of being transported back in time to the healing moments after a bleak time in history. Well done!!

BE STILL MY HEART

This story made me laugh, cry, drop my jaw on the floor, and scream at the heroine to change her mind and get some sense. Until she did. Then I jumped up and down. Loved every minute. Finished it in a matter of days. Excellent performance.

A guaranteed, repeat listener!

This book is in my all time top 5. And the Audible version is so wonderful, the narrators all are perfect, I have probably relistened 20+ times because it’s just a soft, easy, sweet flowing story. Especially once you’ve become a veteran and could narrate it yourself; you just wait for your favorite bits!!


Love, Love, Love!!! 💜💜💜

Loved this story

Loved the different format, different voices, accents and the story itself. Highly recommend this audio book.

Perfect for a long road trip

Made me smile every time I listened. Love the narration of every character (except for Mark haha) but overall, such an enjoyable listen. Would recommend to all!