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A review by rucha_s
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows, Mary Ann Shaffer
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Epistolary novel, highly plot driven. Light hearted with some touching moments. The literary society forms the crux of the plot and will especially appeal to anyone who loves books about books.
However, despite all its charm and appeal,I knocked off two stars (mild spoilers ahead, proceed with caution)
What didn't work for me was the wide assortment of characters that get introduced as the plot progresses. I started to lose track, I think it has also got a lot to do with the book being written in the epistolary style as it lacks a straightforward narrative voice. In the end I gave up and only retained the names of the 3-4 central characters.
The ending also is rather abrupt. It just ends with the two main characters getting married but what about the book getting published? The book for which Juliet travels to Guernsey? Yes that book which basically drives the plot until the (very sudden) end? And what about her desire to adopt Elizabeth's daughter? I feel those where some very key plot lines that were left open, not in the way of an appealing open ended story but in a very frustrating way.
It was also unfair on Juliet as the author has made her come across as someone who eventually marries and settles and forgets what she was working so hard for (remember Juliet also breaks up with a boyfriend as he had reservations about her ambitions of writing about the Occupation of Guernsey).
So why hasn't Juliet talked about her book (or making sure it gets published) in her letter to Sidney. Disappointing!
Final words
Overall a very enjoyable book, especially if you're an incurable bookworm. It is practically littered with quotable quotes. The ending is a MAJOR let down. It had me smiling ear to ear until I realised it was the end and the book really wasn't progressing any further than that. Hmphff!!
However, despite all its charm and appeal,I knocked off two stars (mild spoilers ahead, proceed with caution)
What didn't work for me was the wide assortment of characters that get introduced as the plot progresses. I started to lose track, I think it has also got a lot to do with the book being written in the epistolary style as it lacks a straightforward narrative voice. In the end I gave up and only retained the names of the 3-4 central characters.
It was also unfair on Juliet as the author has made her come across as someone who eventually marries and settles and forgets what she was working so hard for (remember Juliet also breaks up with a boyfriend as he had reservations about her ambitions of writing about the Occupation of Guernsey).
So why hasn't Juliet talked about her book (or making sure it gets published) in her letter to Sidney. Disappointing!
Final words
Overall a very enjoyable book, especially if you're an incurable bookworm. It is practically littered with quotable quotes. The ending is a MAJOR let down. It had me smiling ear to ear until I realised it was the end and the book really wasn't progressing any further than that. Hmphff!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Vomit, and Blood