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quotablehedgehog's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Death
Minor: Homophobia
novelnotesbynadia's review against another edition
5.0
The authors take you on a truly enchanting adventure to the beautiful island of Guernsey, just after World War II. Through a series of heartfelt letters, you'll get to know a bunch of charming characters who form an extraordinary literary society during the aftermath of war. This gripping story about friendship, resilience, and the magic of books will sweep you off your feet from the very first page.
My absolute favourite part of the story is how effortlessly the authors blend the personal stories of the characters with the historical backdrop of Guernsey during the war. The letters exchanged between the characters not only reveal their deepest emotions and personal growth, but also provide a glimpse into the collective experiences of the island's residents during the occupation. It's a delicate balance that the authors strike perfectly, plunging you in both the characters' lives and the fascinating historical setting.
Of all the vibrant cast of characters, my heart belongs to Juliet Ashton. She's an intelligent and witty writer who finds herself drawn to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while searching for inspiration for her next book. Juliet's journey of self-discovery is extremely captivating as she navigates the complexities of life after the war and finds solace and happiness in the company of her newfound friends. With her blend of strength and vulnerability, Juliet becomes someone you can't help but root for every step of the way.
"There's something about books that mysteriously guides them to their perfect readers."
This simple yet profound statement beautifully captures the essence of the book and the transformative power of literature. It reminds us of the magic that lies within the pages of a well-loved book and how it can touch our lives in ways you never expected. It resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the joy of discovering a story that feels like it was written just for them.
To wrap it up, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a heartwarming novel that transports you to a former era and introduces you to a cast of characters who will stay with you long after you finish the final page. With its blend of history, romance, and an unwavering love for books, this is a must-read for anyone seeking an intriguing and unforgettable story.
My absolute favourite part of the story is how effortlessly the authors blend the personal stories of the characters with the historical backdrop of Guernsey during the war. The letters exchanged between the characters not only reveal their deepest emotions and personal growth, but also provide a glimpse into the collective experiences of the island's residents during the occupation. It's a delicate balance that the authors strike perfectly, plunging you in both the characters' lives and the fascinating historical setting.
Of all the vibrant cast of characters, my heart belongs to Juliet Ashton. She's an intelligent and witty writer who finds herself drawn to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while searching for inspiration for her next book. Juliet's journey of self-discovery is extremely captivating as she navigates the complexities of life after the war and finds solace and happiness in the company of her newfound friends. With her blend of strength and vulnerability, Juliet becomes someone you can't help but root for every step of the way.
"There's something about books that mysteriously guides them to their perfect readers."
This simple yet profound statement beautifully captures the essence of the book and the transformative power of literature. It reminds us of the magic that lies within the pages of a well-loved book and how it can touch our lives in ways you never expected. It resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the joy of discovering a story that feels like it was written just for them.
To wrap it up, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a heartwarming novel that transports you to a former era and introduces you to a cast of characters who will stay with you long after you finish the final page. With its blend of history, romance, and an unwavering love for books, this is a must-read for anyone seeking an intriguing and unforgettable story.
kcrawfish's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book of letters, and it feels just like opening a dusty shoebox and pulling out old friends, hidden in yellowed envelopes. The cosy, post-war account is filled with a love of literature that truly comes from a love of each other and of community built in difficult times.
Our story spins around the twin axises of Juliet and Elizabeth, and I must say the author’s voice for Juliet is one of the kindest, warmest literary jaunts I’ve enjoyed. Juliet is someone who pops off the page and into life, already offering to make a pot of tea, as do all her Guernsey friends.
If you love found family and a spot of cosy tea, that still takes place against a serious backdrop of shared trauma in war, then this is for you.
Our story spins around the twin axises of Juliet and Elizabeth, and I must say the author’s voice for Juliet is one of the kindest, warmest literary jaunts I’ve enjoyed. Juliet is someone who pops off the page and into life, already offering to make a pot of tea, as do all her Guernsey friends.
If you love found family and a spot of cosy tea, that still takes place against a serious backdrop of shared trauma in war, then this is for you.
anotherwomack's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
le_corbeau_romantique's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing read! I wish I could really live at Guernsey with Isola, Dawsy, Juliet, and Kit! Elizabeth was amazing, too. Wonderful novel!
PS: Reading the book WITH the audio book is a real treat because the actors do different voices for each character's letter.
PS: Reading the book WITH the audio book is a real treat because the actors do different voices for each character's letter.
lexiecriscola's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
shelbynik's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
luze's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
pinks_paperbacks's review against another edition
4.0
I want to give 4.5 stars and the reason for not giving 5 stars is because I felt it ended hurriedly. I have a read quite a number of reviews where people wished that this book would go on (which I agree) and that is because people like me loved reading this book. Also, I thought that the character of Dawsey could've been explored more directly through his own point of view rather than through others' point of views, especially in the second part of the book.
Enough criticism. Now some praises. So let me begin by stating that how beautifully the story took us through the World War II period in and around Guernsey. There was no real drama but I suppose the familiarity of humanitarianism, good and bad, was enough to keep me captivated. Sometimes I did feel as if the dynamic between many characters were too good to be true but I didn't mind being in that fantasy where there's peace amongst people.
If you are sceptical about the book I would urge you to give it a try before you shelf it somewhere forever.
Enough criticism. Now some praises. So let me begin by stating that how beautifully the story took us through the World War II period in and around Guernsey. There was no real drama but I suppose the familiarity of humanitarianism, good and bad, was enough to keep me captivated. Sometimes I did feel as if the dynamic between many characters were too good to be true but I didn't mind being in that fantasy where there's peace amongst people.
If you are sceptical about the book I would urge you to give it a try before you shelf it somewhere forever.
leahpm's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun narrative style - inspires me to write more letters!