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.

Loved it!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved all the various narrators, it really made sense with the letter format. The location and time period of the story was also fascinating. Highly recommend!

Splendid

I was told by someone that I met in my local bookstore not to watch the Netflix rendition of this title but to read the book, if not only, first. Unfortunately my Nana came to town and wanted to watch the movie with me--and I get to see her so infrequently that I didn't even hesitate to watch it without having already read the book. Sorry, kind book store stranger!

I enjoyed what Netflix did with the book--but I loved the book. I understand why Netflix did what it did to bring the story to life, being told through letters would be difficult if it were to be done for screen--but the book brought letters in (another thing I appreciate) and I love it even more.

You might have caught on by now (;]) that this book is told through letters. Letters coming to and from each of the characters creating a whole story of what happened on the isle of Guernsey during the German invasion. These interactions find their beginnings when, having found a copy of a book that he loved by Charles Lamb and no means to read any of the other works of the author, a man reaches out to the previous owner to see if she could find him any of Lamb's other works (for she write her name in the cover page). This leads us to Juliet who, having hit a wall with her writing, is drawn in to the stories of the people on the isle of Guernsey. In the end I think she finds more about what she wants for herself and a love that she didn't know existed before.

The narration for this title is excellent! I really appreciated all of the voices that filled in the roles for the many different characters.

a little confusing but entrancing once you get it

I've read this book before and the letters have always confused me. You have to be pretty astute to notice who is writing to who from whom and where. This time I watch the movie first which I don't normally even follow up with the movie but it really helped me to grasp the characters and then appreciate all of the literary gems that were scattered throughout the book.

Wonderful!

It was more of a theater production than a read novel. Great job NY the multiple performers. See the movie which you will love, then read the story.

Wonderful

This book is wonderful!! I would definitely recommend it. I laughed and cried and didnt want it to end.

Good stories remind one of other good stories!

If you could sum up The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in three words, what would they be?

Letters from the past. (four words, but I cheat, sorry)

What other book might you compare The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to and why?

Happily I have a ready answer to this question, as all through this story the book "84 Charing Cross Road" kept coming to my mind. Memorably it ("84 Charing Cross... ") later was a movie staring Ann Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, & Judi Dench. I guess because it also was based on letters between characters after WW II and I enjoyed them both very much.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The characters had their own voices and as there were so many it was important in keep them separate. All narrators were competent and enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

Loved the title! Loved the beginning of the book, the first half seems better conceptualized. I loved that the Islanders started to write to Juliet individually. I did find a few of the later characters a little one dimensional.

I am looking forward to the movie if it ever really does come out. I understand that Ms Shaffer passed away in 2008, which is sad. I am glad that she left this inspiring story of courage in adversity for us to enjoy. It was co-authored by her capable neice Ms Barrows.

The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I enjoyed the letter writing and appreciated the skill in writing it took to make letters tell a story. The multiple narration also was a big contributor to the success. I do however, believe this is a "girl" book...not sure how successful it would be with male readers.

Love, love, love this book.

My words would be completely inadequate to convey what a treasure this read is. Please trust me it is so worth your time.

I know, I know

Would you consider the audio edition of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to be better than the print version?

I haven't finished reading the print version, but the audio version was so good that I also bought the kindle version. I've read a small bit of it on my kindle, but the different voices add so much to the story. I do think, this time, I'll like the audio version better.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?

When the Guernsey group received the first letter from Remy. It broke my heart and I cried. I took a short time away from the book after this as I kept thinking about what people have gone through during wars and wondering what would happen if a war on that scale erupted today.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Kit let Juliet see the contents of her box.

Who was the most memorable character of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and why?

I adored them all. I can't pick just one. But Isola made me laugh often.

Any additional comments?

My reading preference is usually for witty, contemporary romantic suspense or deeply suspenseful mysteries. I hesitated to buy this, despite the raving reviews, because I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. I can honestly say I think this is my favorite book of all time. I know I will listen to it over and over. I was so sad when the book ended and I would love to see a sequel. I don't want to lose my new friends on Guernsey. I'd love to see how Kit turns out and how she grows.

Simply delightful story and narration

What did you love best about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?

I think this would be an enjoyable book to read, but I think listening is even better. The narration of this book was spot-on!