It's January, 1946, and writer Juliet Ashton sits at her cluttered desk in London, struggling to find a subject for her next book. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from one Dawsey Adams who, as well as sharing her love of Charles Lamb, is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, set up in secret during the German Occupation. It's not long before Juliet begins to hear from the other members and discovers that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name. There's Isola, who sells love ...
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It's January, 1946, and writer Juliet Ashton sits at her cluttered desk in London, struggling to find a subject for her next book. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from one Dawsey Adams who, as well as sharing her love of Charles Lamb, is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, set up in secret during the German Occupation. It's not long before Juliet begins to hear from the other members and discovers that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name. There's Isola, who sells love potions along with her vegetables; Eben, a fisherman with a passion for Shakespeare; Will, the creator of the famous potato peel pie; and Dawsey himself, a bashful farmer with a tender heart. As the letters fly back and forth, Juliet's curiosity turns into genuine affection, and she decides to visit her new friends and learn more about Elizabeth, the founding member of the society, who fell in love with a German officer and was sent away to a concentration camp, leaving her only child behind. Poignant, captivating and utterly charming, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a timely testament to the power of friendship, books and love.
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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.
