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What are readers saying about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?
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Françoise posted a review at 2009-10-07 09:10:51.
(Language: English)
 
Mais quel est le secret des bons livres qui enchantent les lecteurs? Ici, une certaine transparence : le programme est quasi annoncé dans le corps même du récit, le projet de l'auteure s'intégrant fort élégamment et subtilement dans la trame narrative : écrire un roman à propos de l'occupation allemande à Guernesey pendant la seconde guerre mondiale, et une histoire d'amour dans la noble tradition des Austen et autre soeurs Bronte. Une vraie réussite, qui plaira tant aux lecteurs et lectrices occasionnelles (qui aiment d'abord qu'un livre soit agréable à lire et les instruise) qu'aux rats de bibliothèques fanatiques et amoureux des livres qui se prendront d'amour pour les personnages de ce merveilleux club littéraire. Je me joins donc chaleureusement au concert des éloges : ce roman est un délice, à s'offrir toutes affaires cessantes, et à lire aussitôt! 
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-07 06:56:27.
(Language: English)
LOVED IT! Loved it. You must read this book. It's written in letters, which at first may sound either boring or unappealing. But in all honesty, looking back on the book, all my mind thinks of is a wonderful story; I've totally forgotten that my mind pieced it together on it's own through letters. It's got a wonderful combination of historical fiction, wit and sass, and of course, *sigh*, romance. It's the kind of book that propels you to cheer the characters on, laugh and cry with them, and then, after you've turned the last page, fly out to Guernsey to meet them all and give them hugs (even though this is impossible... I'm pretty sure).
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Robert posted a review at 2010-02-15 09:45:54.
(Language: English)
Wonderfully written, with modern sensibilities evaporating in favor of a mood and tone of the post-war 40s. Shaffer writes like a veteran, and her characters are so warm and vibrant that a reader slows down unconsciously, savoring every moment of the letters they write one another. One can almost smell the salt air and feel the sea breezes, get pissed at a couple of incredible jerks, get tearful and embrace their sense of loss and longing during the Occupation. Here's hoping she writes a sequel, or at least attempts something else - she's just too good to lose so soon. Besides, I want to find out what happens to Kit, to Remy, to Juliet, heck even to Mark.
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Donna posted a review at 2010-04-23 02:26:06.
(Language: English)
If we all had friends like the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, the world would be a better place. The engaging characters of this novel share the gifts of the truest and most loyal friendships. Caring for each other to the point of risking imprisonment, WWII survivors populate the book as richly as the characters who are not as fortunate. Written as a series of correspondences, the story takes you through post-war England. However, so much of the Islanders life in post-war England is shaped by the WW II, that the story of survival and sacrifice during the war is equally poignant. The style of writing is simply elegant, as are the characters. I feel as though I read a book AND made friends too. BTW, it's the Reading Across Rhode Island book of the year http://www.readingacrossri.org/
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Peachy posted a review at 2010-04-10 08:55:19.
(Language: English)
This is a nice story about a not so nice time in our history. Through a series of letters written between people that start off as strangers and end up as lifelong friends, we learn of some of the devastation the Channel Islands, and other parts of Europe, were subject to during the German occupation of the Second World War. I did find the book to be a little stale at times, regardless of the author’s wit, and ultimately struggled to get through it. This should be no solid reflection on the author or the story, though, since I tend to read and enjoy novels with a little less benevolence and a lot more grit. I was approached by so many people whilst reading this book in public places, as they felt the need to tell me how wonderful and heartwarming they found the book to be, even stating that they thought it ended too soon. Chacun son goût! Check out more of my reviews at BookSnakeReviews
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-02 08:23:54.
(Language: English)
Thanks for suggesting this book, Kate and Lindy. It is a wonderful book, with an unusual combination of the remembered horror of the Nazi occupation of Guernsey (one of the islands between Britain and France), delight in human individualiy, and hope for the future. It contins myriad literary references--mostly to British authors--and an ongoing discussion of what books mean to those of us who read. I tell students that as they read, they enter a discussion with all who have gone before who have thought about the big questions we all face. In addition to the most often-discussed question, this book looks at how reading affects your life. Why do you look at other people's book shelves when you go into their houses? What do you conclude? If you love to read, this is a good book for you.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-10-17 11:24:07.
(Language: English)
I LOVED this book! The entire story is told through letters written amongst the characters, and at first I didn't like that, had a hard time following who was who, but it wasn't long until I grew to know and love the characters, and the style of the book. And the main character? How I would love to sit and chat with her - what a great sense of humor and outlook on life! I developed such an affection for each of these Islanders, I would love a follow-up story - it's an amazing job, how well the reader gets to know these characters just from reading a series of letters. Let's bring back Snail Mail! And it's also a fascinating glimpse of history that I knew nothing about, the German occupation of Guernsey Island, off the coast of Normandy, during WWII. Thanks, Colleen, for recommending this book!
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Jonelle posted a review at 2009-09-19 09:10:01.
(Language: English)
A number of people told me it was a good book; but it wasn't until one of my best friends insisted that I read it that I finally checked it out. Up until now, I have to admit that I was put off a little by the title, and by the format of the book. (It's a series of letters.)Now I can happily report that if you haven't read it yet, you really must consider doing so. It tells the story of a writer who finds her inspiration for a new book in telling the story of Guernsey, and how this little island was occupied by the Nazis during World War II. It is a a wonderful testament to the power of books to transform each person's life into something a little more special. It has humor, sadness, and some really delightful parts. I highly recommend it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-04 02:58:48.
(Language: English)
34. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - I cannot say enough for how much I *loved* this book. I'll admit that I can be snotty about modern books. I read some of the current popular books but I rarely like them this much. I often find them entertaining but I never admire them as much as I did this one. Let me say, this book is right up my alley. The characters are quirky and kind-hearted. The book has some really thought-provoking things to say about war without being overly-preachy...just subtly challenging. All the characters love books and find solace in them. And best of all, there's a lovely romance that doesn't take over the book or make the reader go into the bedroom with them. I am officially on the Guersney bandwagon. :-)
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Bonnie Gleckler posted a review at 2010-01-01 09:03:07.
(Language: English)
The inside cover of this book states, "...Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers." Well, I gotta tell you, I am so glad "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" found me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed each and every character, even the crotchety Adelaide Addison. The entire book is a series of letters written to, from, and about our heroine, Miss Juliet Ashton. And, of course, contains a bit of historical perspective relative to Guernsey (a small island that is part of the Channel Islands). It a light but totally enjoyable read. Pick it up if you are looking for JUST THE RIGHT BOOK.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-28 06:17:40.
(Language: English)
Loved this book! The story unfolds slowly through a series of letters, telegrams back and forth. The characters were richly described and I felt like I knew them all. I couldn't wait to find out more about the characters and if Juliet was going to end up falling in love with someone. In the story there is discussion of things that happened in the war to the people on Guernsey Island. This was sometimes very emotional. Guernsey island is a quaint place that is described so beautifully. A quote that I liked in the book in regards to the Character Elizabeth, Her friend Remmie says, “It would have been better for her to not have such a heart but worse for the rest of us…”
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-10-08 02:30:17.
(Language: English)
Martha & Molly praised this book so I borrowed it from the library. I cracked it open last night and BARELY SLEPT. Finished it this morning before work. What a lovely, fun, sweet, engaging, raw story! I loved the elements of historical fiction and the character development through letters. Some parts were a bit facile (I didn't like the Miss Marple - style journal entries at the end) but forgivable. I loved loved loved the characters, and many wrote things that made me laugh out loud. It seemed so real. The ending was a bit of a disappointment - altogether too pat - but still, a wonderful book. I highly recommend it!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-22 12:07:55.
(Language: English)
I love this book! Told through letters between the characters, it took me a number of pages to sort out the who's who, but that was nearly as mentally stimulating as watching the story unfold throughout the intricately woven story. Interestingly enough, I hadn't really thought much about the Channel Islands during WWII and found myself looking up historical info about the time period once again. Thinking I was in the midst of a sweet, nostalgic story, I was surprised to find myself deeply entrenched in the horrors of Nazi occupation, wishing these gentle souls did not have to face such inhumanity. So very much like the real tragedy of the time. You know you have read a wonderful book when you get to the end and find yourself wishing you could read more about the quirky, endearing and sometimes tragic characters. And what reader wouldn't love a book about letters and reading bringing people together, especially during hard times. I'm definitely adding this book to my favorites list.
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Ella posted a review at 2009-03-12 04:36:07.
(Language: English)
I Felt Like a Bit of a Voyeur going through this book, peering into peoples private letters. What an enchanting book. This is definitely a book that is better listened to than read. The cast of voices was superb, with the dialects and different voices helping to identify each character. It did take me a while to get into this type of audiobook, as the entire story is told through letter writing which were usually written back and forth from the members of TGL&PPS to the protagonist Juliet, a young, single, newspaper columnist in London who is looking for a topic for a new novel she wants to write, when she receives a letter from a man in Guernsey talking about his enjoyment of Charles Lamb books. He was part of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Juliet becomes very interested and thus starts the letter writing back and forth from the members of this society and to Juliet's publisher. This all takes place in 1946. Geurnsey was occupied by the Germans during the war and the horrors are still very fresh. The letters reveal how the war touched each of them and people close to them. There is a good love story spun in there as well. Lots of emotion, tears, laughter, everything that makes a book complete. What a wonderful way to develop characters! A real gem of a book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-03 06:26:23.
(Language: English)
I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb…. As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever. Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways. I was really avoiding this book. I am not one to enjoy popular books and I seem to see this everywhere. I finally started it this past Saturday and was finished by Sunday night. I really enjoyed the writing format, the way the entire book was letters written to and by the various cast of characters. I enjoyed the emphasis on book lovers, how books can get you through hard times, and how reading one thing in a book can lead you to research it, which leads to another book and so on. The characters were highly amusing. I found myself laughing quite a few times. I also enjoyed that there was romance, but it did not weigh down the book and take over the story. Juliet and her friend Sophie reminded me very much of my own best friend and myself. Overall I would give this 3 stars. There wasn't anything bad about it, I just wasn't blown away by it as some people were. It was enjoyable, but not something that will make an impression on me and stay with me.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-06-08 07:55:42.
(Language: English)
More charm and wit than I have ever found in a book not written by Jane Austen. As I was reading I kept comparing Juliet Ashton (the central figure in this book) to Elizabeth Bennet, and I determined that they were both equally wonderful characters. I honestly feel as if Juliet is a real person that I've come to love. The author tackles a very dark subject but focuses instead on hope and moments of grace and goodness. She doesn't shy away from the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust. She just doesn't stop there. I can't reccomend it strongly enough.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-30 01:06:08.
(Language: English)
Read~July 23, 2010 WOW!!!!! I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book. It. Was. AMAZING!! This was one of the best books that I have read in a REALLY long time!!! It made me want to fly to Guernsey and find all of these people and become friends with them (which, of course would be impossible. Because, 1, its fiction and 2. its set right after WWll ends and most of the characters (should they have been REAL people) would likely have died by now)!!! I love how this book is written in letter form. You can say so much more in a letter and I think that is what the author's are trying to portray here. Even though these people are strangers to each other, they are more willing to open up to each other through the letter-writing. I believe the author's do an excellent job and you just want to meet all these people OR at least receive a letter from them!! This was one of those books that you just never wanted to end. It was a truly amazing story. A new favorite for sure!!!
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Kelly posted a review at 2009-12-13 01:22:14.
(Language: English)
A completely engaging story from start to finish. A core group of developed characters mingled with history grounded in a ‘real-life’ account that brings the era alive through the eyes of average citizens. Although heroic in their survival, the characters in the story are not over-played or over-sympathetic or fantastic. Instead, the story rightfully depicts the life of several people during a time of war, each having their own unique story and coping skills that is beautifully developed through friendship, community, love and morality, as well as humor. The heavy, and otherwise dreary themes are lightened, but not cheapened by the use of clever comic relief that is refreshing and inserted in just the right spot to make a heart-wrenching story tolerable. Instead of being drug down by the topic, the story is uplifted and inspiring without taking away from the seriousness of the subject or historical period. I’m having a hard time finding anything to write in this section of my review. Although in my opinion, it is not truly a con, I will say that the story is a bit predictable. Given that it is told through letters, it is forced to go along a fairly predicable course, which leads to an obvious outcome. However, this did not take away from the wonderful story, mostly because it was interesting and did not need twists and action surprises to keep me hook. However, if you’re hoping for a final zing, it’s not coming — it will end how you think it will end, but it still feels right and in my humble opinion, agreeable.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-08 09:27:21.
(Language: English)
Just finished my second read of this book. The first time, it took a while to get into, and because it is written in letter-format, it was a little tough for me to keep the characters straight; I ended up jotting their names and a few descriptive notes on a piece of notepaper and using that as my book mark. Somewhere around the halfway mark I got sucked in, and I really enjoyed my reread (I think it was much more enjoyable because I was familiar with the characters and so could follow the story much more easily). It's a fun story, but also tells many sad and touching war experiences; if you like WWII stories, and/or light love stories, you'll enjoy this one. Although the letter-format took a little getting used to, one benefit was that it gave easy stopping points every page or two, so it is a good book to carry around with you to read while waiting in line, etc.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-09-11 04:55:19.
(Language: English)
How I loved this book! I have read other books in a letter of even a text messages/diary format and grew really liking it. I have not know much about the occupation of the Channel Islands and this book made me so interested in finding out more about this part of a history as well as interested in visiting the island itself. The story itself is so human, full of emotions and grief, very well written. And the story could have gone forever! It also made me more aware of the fact that we do not write such thorough, deep and well stated letters in this rushed world anymore. We barely write any letters, in fact. Time to change that, for me!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-29 05:13:06.
(Language: English)
A delight to read. Loved it from the first line, the first P.S., the first exchange of letters between Juliet and her group of warm and open friends. This is a book of letters - we are first introduced to Juliet writing to her publisher and dear friend Sydney while she is promoting her book. Juliet is the clever, sharp writer whose delightful voice takes you back to London and the Chanel Islands at the end of WWII. During the war Juliet makes a living as the columnist Izzy Bickerstaff, poking fun at war. Not wanting to be seen as a light-hearted journalist anymore, Juliet is in search of a new subject matter for her next book. A fortuitous letter in the post is the leading light for the next opportunity to write seriously. Juliet is so taken by this chance event that ithout realising it her life is thrown in a new direction. Juliet’s humour carries throughout the duration of the book, imparting the horrors of wartime occupation whilst maintaining her playful wit… “Do you know what that dismal woman wrote to Jane Carlyle? "My dear little Jane, everybody is born with a vocation, and yours is to write charming little notes." I hope Jane spat on her”.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-19 02:28:31.
(Language: English)
Truly one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am usually not a fan of the letter format as a way of telling a story, but this book is a huge exception. From the very first letter, the readers are hooked. Juliet Ashton is an incredible protagonist with spunk, personality and she is easy to love. Along with the characters from Guernsey including Dawsey, Isola and Kit, once you start reading this story it is impossible to put down. It is witty, gripping, emotional and appealing - easy to read and it gives a view into the lives of those on the Channel Islands during WWII. This is a book I will read again and again.
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Jennifer posted a review at 2009-07-03 08:50:01.
(Language: English)
The novel is set in 1946 post-occupation Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. Juliet Ashton, an English writer, has received a letter from a resident of Guernsey, Dawsey Adams, who is a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Juliet is intrigued by the society and how it came to be, and by the stories of the Nazi occupation related to her by Dawsey and other society members. She believes she has the beginnings of her next article and travels to Guernsey to meet and interview the society members and others who lived through the occupation and to write their story. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a unique book in a number of respects. It is written entirely in the format of letters--personal correspondence between Juliet and her friends, acquaintances and business associates. This gives the novel a very personal feel, and we are able to see things from the points of view of many different characters. Another unique aspect of the book is that it was written by one author, with revisions made after her death by a second author. Unfortunately, I felt this gave the book a somewhat disjointed feel. There were passages in which the writing style changed noticeably, which detracted from the overall cohesiveness of the book. Lastly, this book is somewhat unusual in that the authors use a wide range of literature to reveal things about the characters reading the books. We learn about characters in part by learning what books they chose to read and why they chose to read them. One critic summed the book up as "a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends." I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call it a masterpiece, but it was a great pleasure to read and a moving story about love, heroism, and how literature can bring out the best in us and bind us together, even in the most difficult of circumstances, regardless of cultural or social differences. And, as an added bonus, I discovered some real gems among the books the islanders read, such as the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, which I'm now reading.
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Rebecca posted a review at 2009-06-30 02:59:03.
(Language: English)
The "potato book" (as I have affectionately dubbed it) has come to be one of my deceptive favorites. I honestly wasn't expecting the book to be this good or this quirky. The letter format is difficult to get past at first, but once you've established the character's voice (it doesn't take but a few pages) then you've got each character nailed down just by their writing style alone. Now that takes some talent on the author's part. The story is a simple one but it's flavored with nice tidbits of history, a hardy cast of unusual characters, and the expected -but always appreciated- budding romance that leaves you satisfied that everything ended as it should. I especially enjoyed Isola Pribby's eccentric habits and Juliet's tea pot temper tantrum. If your a fan of feisty heroine's and a general book-lover, you'll enjoy the potato book and it's wonderful "hats off" to literature.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-23 07:47:02.
(Language: English)
Set after the WWII, this novel tells the Guernsey islanders' life stories during and after the war through letters to a columnist that eventually became their friend- and, ultimately, one of their own. Not the usual gruesome and morbid tales of the war, this novel spares the readers from the violence since Guernsey were entirely affected as the mainland. However, the depiction is as vivid and as heartfelt as those of a movie-how a book club was formed to hide a roasted pig; how prisoners of war are tormented during the day and freed in the evening to roam as dogs, begging for food; how natives go about peddling themselves to soldiers in exchange for a bread or two; how true love and friendship were formed between allies and enemies. These are only few of the stories to discover in this extraordinaire gem of a book that will leave a smile on your face after the last page.
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