irene94's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

rinrin12's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

forestidylls's review against another edition

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5.0

What a delightful book! A friend got it for me and I am eternally grateful or I may never have gotten around to reading it! It managed to surprise me, which is quite the feat, since I had no expectations as it was. Unlike anything I've ever read before, it was charming, humorous, and sobering all at once. Highly recommend.

tormentalidad's review against another edition

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4.0

Siento que este libro puede ser un rayito de sol si lo lees en un momento bajito de ánimos (y si no, se disfruta igualmente). Pese a que el libro trata temas y situaciones tristes de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, las cartas que se envían los distintos personajes son una delicia. Poco a poco vemos no sólo sus historias, sino sus personalidades y cómo su club de lectura fue importante para ellos durante la ocupación alemana. Es de ese tipo de novelas que terminas con pena porque sabes que vas a echar de menos a los personajes.

katiegilley's review against another edition

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5.0

2021 thoughts:
“That’s what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you to another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It’s geometrically progressive – all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.”

I read this book in 2009, but it was time for a re-read. This time, I listened on audio and it was positively delightful. I’d forgotten how many characters were featured in the book because I’d gotten so used to the movie on Netflix! This book is everything I love: post WWII England, tea, flowers, books, and writing. It’s a true book lover’s book and I was walking on air for days after finishing it.
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2009 thoughts:
Another book set in Europe right after WWII. The main character, Juliet, is contacted by a man who lives in Guernsey (an island in the English Channel) that has read a book previously owned by Juliet. His request is a modest one: does she know of any other books by this beloved author? It begins a wonderful friendship between the two and she begins receiving letters from others on this picturesque island, as she is researching topics for a book and becomes fascinated with their lives during the German Occupation of WWII.

The book is written in letters so it has many natural stopping places, which was just the ticket for this mojo-less reader, but the world created is so interesting and the characters are downright lovable. If you haven't read it yet, then please do!

emilyshakespeare's review against another edition

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hopeful relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

ladyphoenixqueen's review against another edition

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5.0

Love love love this story! It's so charming and emotional (in a good way). Definitely recommend!

ggreeley's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book. I've always been fascinated with stories around the times of WWII. I've found the stories that aren't the normal 'Hail Hitler' death toll stories are the most interesting to me. This book is a set of letters that were written back and forth to a group of people that eventually made up the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. The letters were started by a journalist doing research for a story. Eventually more people were included and wonderful stories shared. This story allows a look into how Nazi armies changed the lives of most people from that area. It wasn't just Nazi or Jew; so many more were affected.

reader4evr's review against another edition

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3.0

My mom recommended me this book awhile ago and I finally got around to reading it. I like how the book was set up with the letters instead of chapters which really worked with the book being historical fiction. I loved Juliet and totally could relate to her. I'm glad that her and Dawsey ended up together...totally reminded me of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

schofield24's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved the letter format of the story and the various points of view thus gained. Although forewarned that it starts a little slowly, I didn't find it to be laborious in any way, and before long I was eager to read the next "letter" for more insight into the characters.

I have read several novels set in the World War II era and this one ranks highly on the list of "Good Reads."