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.

Hallmark Hall of Fame movie material?

What a wonderful cast of characters and readers. I typically find when a "cast" reads the story the narration doesn't work as well. However, with this book it worked wonderfully, possibly because of the format of telling the story through the letters. The presentation of the German concentration camp experiences was perfectly managed without getting too graphic. I think this would make a great Hallmark Hall of Fame movie.

One of the best

Heatwarming, informative, engrossing, lovable characters . . . I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was perfect and it was an all-around delight to listen to. Strongly recommended.

Love, Love, Love

I love, love, love this book. I'll admit that despite several recommendations that it took me a very long time to pick this book up. I have a tendency to avoid depressing books and movies and knowing that it was about post-WWII, I just knew it was going to be absolutely, positively gloomy. But how wrong I was.

Written in the form of letters between several different characters, our main character/heroine, Juliet, is introduced to people of Guernsey via a letter from one of its residents who happens to find her name in a book that he was reading. They begin a correspondence that then blossoms into a relationship with the whole town once Juliet finds out about the townspeople and their literary society. The literary society was formed initially as a cover story to keep a few residents from getting in trouble during the Nazi occupation when they are found breaking curfew, and then blossoms into a true literary society once the residents discover the power of books which help carry them through the toughest times in their lives.

There are definitely a few sad moments in the book, but despite that, this book is overwhelmingly heartwarming and funny. I was absolutely shocked how often I laughed. I listened to this as an audiobook and as I mostly listen to audiobooks while I run, I must have looked like an complete loon running with a constant smirk on my face and randomly bursting out in laughter.

And just like Juliet, I fell in love with Guernsey and it’s residents. I rarely cry (especially at books and movies) and I found myself holding back tears of joy as I finished the last chapter of this book. I wished it would never end and I was sad to leave them when the last page was read.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It will lift your spirits and brighten your day in so many unexpected ways.

so many in one

Grand listen! Reminds me of Pilcher's SHELL SEEKERS...had to pay attention to keep some characters straight at first but soon the tales -both light and very serious- kept me in the full content. Highly recommended... I might even listen again because there is so much story.

Wonderful!

It one of those books where I wish it wouldn't end. The title seemed quacky at first but then as the story unfolded it was endearing. Highly recommend for easy listening and entertainment.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Delightful! It made me want to be a member of the Guernsey Literary Society. The narration, with English accents, was excellent. It's a treat to find a good book that isn't about murder and mayhem.

The Perfect Book for Audible Presentation

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

If one were forced to sum up such a book in three words, I would have to say "Heartwarming, Life Affirming." But it's so much more. It's also sweet and gut-wrenching. You'll find comfort in the small acts of kindness, courage and decency that allow our species to carry on in the face of the unspeakable inhumanity of war.

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

I suppose the hiding of the Polish slave-laborer is among the most memorable, but it's only one of many memorable scenes.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

I didn't have just one favorite. What made this book so great as an audible book are the many voices that help to differentiate the various characters. I particularly liked the portrayals of Juliet, Amelia, Eben and Isola.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

These are the individual stories of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, in a time when courage, loyalty and decency stood fast in the face of war.

Any additional comments?

This was one of those most satisfying novels that you want never to end. It makes a nice companion to another book about Guernsey, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

This was nothing short of wonderful! One of the best listens ever. I listened to this shortly after The Postmistress and they are excellent companion pieces. I love audio books that use different performers and this one was perfect for that. It really helped differentiate the voices of each person, as the book is in letter format. You just fall in love with the residents of Guernsey. Don't miss this one!

Beautiful and sweet

excellent story, well drawn characters and fascinating locale - a good, solid read.

engaging!

The synopsis of this book does not do it justice, but I cannot think how to change it. Listening to the characters brings everything to life. I could picture the island and smell the salt air, and I felt like I knew these characters so well that I could have easily settled down in Guernsey myself. Definitely worth the five stars in my estimation!