The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Societyhttp://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Guernsey-Literary-and-Potato-Peel-Pie-Society-Mary-Ann-Shaffer/9781741751680
It's 1946, and as Juliet Ashton sits at her desk in her Chelsea flat, she is stumped. A writer of witty newspaper columns during the war, she can't think of what to write next. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from one Dawsey Adams of Guernsey - by chance he's acquired a book Juliet once owned - and, emboldened by their mutual love of books, they begin a correspondence. Dawsey is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and it's not long before the rest of the members write to Juliet - including the gawky Isola, who makes home-made potions, Eben, the fisherman who loves Shakespeare, and Will Thisbee, rag-and-bone man and chef of the famous potato peel pie. As letters fly back and forth, Juliet comes to know the extraordinary personalities of the Society and their lives under the German occupation of the island. Entranced by their stories, Juliet decides to visit the island to meet them properly - and unwittingly turns her life upside down.
Reviews
The letters comprising this small charming novel begin in 1946, when single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton (nom de plume "Izzy Bickerstaff") writes to her publisher to say she is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites articulate--and not-so-articulate--neighbors to write Juliet with their stories, the book's epistolary circle widens, putting Juliet back in the path of war stories. The occasionally contrived letters jump from incident to incident--including the formation of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while Guernsey was under German occupation--and person to person in a manner that feels disjointed. But Juliet's quips are so clever, the Guernsey inhabitants so enchanting and the small acts of heroism so vivid and moving that one forgives the authors (Shaffer died earlier this year) for not being able to settle on a single person or plot. Juliet finds in the letters not just inspiration for her next work, but also for her life--as will readers. (Aug.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
In January 1946, London is beginning to recover from World War II, and Juliet Ashton is looking for a subject for her next book. She spent the war years writing a column for the Times until her own dear flat became a victim of a German bomb. While sifting through the rubble and reconstructing her life, she receives a letter from a man on Guernsey, the British island occupied by the Germans. He'd found her name on the flyleaf of a book by Charles Lamb and was writing to ask if she knew of any other books by the author. So begins a correspondence that draws Juliet into the community of Guernsey and the members of the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Named to protect its members from arrest by the Germans, the society shares their unique love of literature and life with a newfound friend. Seeing this as the subject of her next book, Juliet sails to Guernsey--a voyage that will change her life. Reminiscent of Helene Hanff's 84 Charing Cross Road, this is a warm, funny, tender, and thoroughly entertaining celebration of the power of the written word. This marvelous debut novel, sure to have book club appeal, is highly recommended for all collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 4/1/08.]--Susan Clifford Braun, Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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Reviews
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This book is a little gem! The humorous innocence of the 'writer' character and the other quirky characters in this book,
made me feel alittle sad that today we have lost a fair ammount of this gentle and simple innocent charm.
I loved this book and highly recommend it for people needing to be reminded of the good things about life.
I spent 6 months on Guernsay in the late 60's and loved it this book took me back there which was wonderful a delightful story which has already passed to my Mum and my Husband with 3 friends waiting their turn.
Highly recomended
Loved it! Enchanting, charming, whimsical, intriguing, inspiring, informative read! I was sceptical at first but the letters really draw you in and it wasn't long before I couldn't put the book down. Excellent holiday reading.
This is a magnificent book! I love it! It is witty, charming and enchanting. Highly recommend it. Oh, did I say that I love it? Never judge a book by its title, this is a must read.
This is a delightful story. A series of letters written during the 2nd WW and the invasion of the Islands off the English coast. I would recommend this book to all readers who would consider themselves not in this category or style of prose. It is always good to try reading something different and I gleaned that from my book club and the wonderful people who have introduced me to many different styles and genres.
You read about the daily grind for the people who were invaded by the Germans and the plight of the Germans who did the invasion. The letter writer is a young woman from London who rewrites a bit of history and does such a good job of putting together the lives of all who were affected.
I had my doubts with the format of this book, but after the second page I was hooked. The most delightful read in a long time. Funny and sad and also an insight into an unknown (to me) story of World War Two.
The Guernsey Literary and potato Peel Pie Society is one of the most deloghtful books I have ever read. Totally addictive, we read it for our Book Club and it gained the highest score for 4 years.
The characters are endearing and one almost feels a friend of each of them; plus I learnt a piece of world history which I had not known.
I loved this book so much I have bought copies for all my friend's birthdays and am about to buy another one.
This is my favourite book of the year. Written as a series of letters this story unveils quirky characters and a wonderful life on the island of Guernsey. The story of the potato peel pie society is set within the German occupation of WWII and is a delightful read about a group of islanders who set a literary society as a cover for cooking and eating a pig, hidden from the German's. In creating this society reluctant and lonely characters come together to support each other and make life on Guernsey a place for community.
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