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.

excellent story - excellent choice of readers

I had read the book many times, but it was a joy to hear it read out loud. The choice of readers was perfect.

Great listen!

I loved this story, and the way it is told. The performance was wonderful, and I felt like I actually got to know the characters in a way I wouldn’t have if I’d physically read the book. Would 100% recommend!

Refreshingly different...

This book was really enjoyable in particular as an audio book. Its happy, sad and lead to a few chuckles

Utterly endeared

You can’t possibly read this without becoming utterly endeared to these characters. Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows deliver a heart-warming, captivating novel that made me a dedicated fan for life. This is a book I shall read again and again. The performances were absolutely wonderful and I cannot recommend it enough.

Nice

Enjoyable, like the history, very interesting which made the love stories good, I will recommend

Unique historical fiction

I do love historical fiction that really gives you an understanding a specific event from the inside out. I have read many books that had the background of the blitz going on in London, but this was so uniquely different from those. I loved the letter writing and different perspectives. The love story was a good side dish that was well served with relationships being the main course. Really enjoyed this book.

Strange Title, Good Read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The performers well and truly fit their roles. This book is a compilation of letters that reveal life during the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. It is historical, interesting, poignant and reflective of influences and motivations that affected Britian at that time. Although not a true romance, thank goodness, there is a romantic hue.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is the one who is missing. When you hear it, you will understand.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrators allow you to visualize people, see colors and smell the land.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were times my eyes were moist, and my breath was deep.

♥️♥️♥️

I have reread this book 4 times, it is so wonderful. This is one of the best historical fiction novels I've read in a long time. It is filled with delightful characters and plenty of plot twists. I highly recommend.

Dear Sydney!

What a fantastic story of love and friendship! Cleverly written as correspondence following WW2. The historical and literary references make this an excellent choice for cross-curriculum studies!

Even better than the movie!

Such a fun story to listen to. The readers were fabulous. Each one with their own story flush out a bit more. Fabulous. A must listen to!!