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A review by sandiet
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows, Mary Ann Shaffer
5.0
This quirky titled book is a history lesson told to us this time, in a series of letters. Taking place in 1946 the story centers on writer Juliet Ashton. London is recovering from the effects of World War II and she’s lost her apartment and all of her books. Her writing career has been going well, but now she needs a new subject for her next book. Juliet receives a letter from a founding member of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and starts to wonder if she’s found material for her next book. Subsequent letters she receives from various members of the society, tells the stories of their island, their love of books, how the society came to be and of the German occupation of Guernsey. The letters intrigue Juliet so much she decides to take a trip to Guernsey and by doing so embarks on a remarkable journey of friendship and discovery and eventually love.
The main character is Juliet, but the reader gets to know everyone through these letters just as Juliet does. The book is both humorous and heart-wrenching and reveals a segment of history that I’m sure not many of us know. I had never heard of Guernsey until I read this book and a co-worker mentioned that it is part of several islands in the English Channel.
The book was the debut novel for Mary Ann Shaffer but she died before it was published in 2008. It is quite a shame because I believe we would have been treated to some lovely books with a refreshing tone and perspective. Her niece Annie Barrows, also a writer did the rewrites requested by the editor after she passed away.
The main character is Juliet, but the reader gets to know everyone through these letters just as Juliet does. The book is both humorous and heart-wrenching and reveals a segment of history that I’m sure not many of us know. I had never heard of Guernsey until I read this book and a co-worker mentioned that it is part of several islands in the English Channel.
The book was the debut novel for Mary Ann Shaffer but she died before it was published in 2008. It is quite a shame because I believe we would have been treated to some lovely books with a refreshing tone and perspective. Her niece Annie Barrows, also a writer did the rewrites requested by the editor after she passed away.