It's January, 1946, and writer Juliet Ashton sits at her desk, vainly seeking a subject for her next book. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from one Dawsey Adams of Guernsey - by chance, he's acquired a secondhand book that once belonged to Juliet - and, spurred on by their mutual love of Charles Lamb, they begin a correspondence. When Dawsey reveals that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Juliet's curiosity is piqued, and it's not long before she begins to hear from the other members ...
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It's January, 1946, and writer Juliet Ashton sits at her desk, vainly seeking a subject for her next book. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from one Dawsey Adams of Guernsey - by chance, he's acquired a secondhand book that once belonged to Juliet - and, spurred on by their mutual love of Charles Lamb, they begin a correspondence. When Dawsey reveals that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Juliet's curiosity is piqued, and it's not long before she begins to hear from the other members. As the letters fly back and forth with stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation, Juliet soon realizes that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name. There's gawky Isola, who makes love potions to sell along with her vegetables; Eben, a fisherman with a passion for Shakespeare; Will, erstwhile ironmonger and the creator of the famous potato peel pie; and Dawsey himself, a farmer with a shy manner and a tender heart. Most poignant of all are the memories of Elizabeth, the founding member of the society, who fell in love with a German officer, saved a starving prisoner, and was sent away to a concentration camp, leaving her child behind. Sustained by books and one another, the islanders have battled the bitter hardships of World War II. Juliet, entranced by their stories and their spirit, decides to visit Guernsey to meet her new friends properly. A moving tale of the power of friendship, books, and love, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will beguile the heart and mind.
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I was out of my normal thriller, mystery, autobiographical element with this read and couldn't have been more pleased!! So much so, I'm now in the habit of gifting this gem on a regular basis. It's written as a series of letters (which would typically make me cringe!) but after reading the first few pages I was hooked! These beautifully developed characters would be welcomed friends of mine (if only they actually existed!) and their ongoing correspondence in such trying times is truly inspiring. The story and their antics are incredibly funny and heartwarming. M.A. Shaffer gets it right over and over again and it saddens me to think she's no longer with us since I'm now a lifelong fan. This book is so very well done, please do give it a chance!
Toni O
Apr 24, 2014
This book did not interest me at all. My book club selected this book, but I just could not read it. It consists of letters written back and forth between 2, or maybe more, people during WWII.
anne c
Jun 27, 2013
Excellent!
Engrossing story, multiple actors - one of the best Books on CD I've ever listened to.
RE-FAUVER
Apr 11, 2013
Great Story
The story and narration are excellent. I would recommend this for an easy listen. Second time listening to it.
Brooke J
Sep 27, 2012
Cute Book
I really enjoyed this book. It was light and happy.
