The writing style is a bit unusual because this novel is composed entirely of letters. It’s like peeking on some else’s Instagram account.
Each of us has a collection of most-read books ––those with stained and shredded pages, their book bindings are falling apart. Mine is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The title is a bit mouthful and often I refer this to “Guernsey something-something potato” .
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’ The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a historical novel that captivates readers with its unique storytelling style, endearing characters, and heartfelt exploration of human resilience. Set in the aftermath of World War II, this charming and poignant book is an ode to the enduring power of community and the solace found in literature. The story centers around Juliet Ashton, a witty and spirited 32-year-old London-based writer who gained fame during the war (1946) through her humorous newspaper columns under the pseudonym “Izzy Bickerstaff.” She goes on a cross-country tour across England to promote a book under her pen name, a compilation of comedic columns about life during World War II. As she explores a new subject for her next writing assignment, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams from the island of Guernsey. Dawsey comes across her name inside a book by Charles Lamb, so he writes to her to ask if she can help him acquire books for the island’s book club because these are so rare, and he would like to add more for their book club ––The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This name by the way is born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying the island.
As Juliet and Dawsey exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of Dawsey and the islanders. She finds out how the book club name came about. The German soldiers occupied and controlled Guernsey from 1940 to 1945, where the islanders were held to a strict curfew. They were not even allowed to eat their own livestock but soon they formed a clever way that could save a pig for themselves. One night, the islanders dined on one hidden pig and the German soldiers discovered the festivity and demanded to know why they had broken curfew. Elizabeth McKenna, one of the islanders quickly fabricated a tale about the first gathering of a new literary club on the island. From then on, the book club members met regularly. While most members knew nothing about literatures, they simply tackle an author or genre that appealed to them. They read and discussed a chosen book over good food, and they were able to forget about the ugliness of war for a brief moment while they argued about Charles Lamb or the Brontë sisters.
Intrigued, Juliet visits Guernsey to meet the society members in person. There, she befriends a cast of unforgettable characters, including the gentle Dawsey; the strong-willed Amelia; the quirky Isola; and Eben, a postmaster with a deep love for poetry. Juliet also uncovers the story of Elizabeth McKenna, the fiercely courageous and compassionate founder of the society, whose wartime heroics and tragic fate linger in the hearts of the members.
As Juliet gets drawn deeper into their lives, she begins to question her own choices, including her engagement to an uninspiring suitor. The trip transforms her not only as a writer but as a person, leading her to rediscover love, friendship, and a sense of purpose.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its epistolary format. The story unfolds through a series of letters written between Juliet, her friends, and the society members. This approach allows readers to intimately experience the characters’ personalities, thoughts, and emotions. Each letter feels like a private doorway into the lives of the characters, giving the narrative a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’s name is born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying the island.
Shaffer and Barrows excel at capturing distinct voices and imbue their writing with humor, warmth, and poignancy. Juliet’s letters sparkle with wit and intelligence, reflecting her sharp mind and lively spirit, while Dawsey’s words convey a quiet strength and sincerity. The society’s other members have equally unique and memorable voices, from Amelia’s maternal wisdom to Isola’s delightful eccentricities.
The authors balance lighthearted banter with heavier themes of loss, trauma, and the enduring scars left by war. Without explicitly dwelling on the darker moments, they weave an emotional tapestry that honors both the horrors of wartime and the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative moves seamlessly between humor, heartbreak, and hope, creating a rich and layered reading experience.
The enduring popularity of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society lies in its ability to transport readers to a bygone era while addressing timeless themes. The book’s charm is unmistakable, rooted in its vibrant characters and the palpable sense of community that binds them together. Readers can’t help but fall in love with the members of the society, whose camaraderie and shared passion for books serve as a reminder of the solace and connection literature can bring.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a book-lover’s delight. If you like to read books about people who love books, this one’s for you.
Film Review:
THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a heartfelt, visually stunning film that captures much of the novel’s spirit while softening its edges. It offers a comforting blend of drama, romance, and historical wistfulness, though it occasionally trades depth for sentimentality.
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. Her literary works include romantic drama novels—Four Seasons, The Last Snowfall, and Gnight Sara / ‘Night Heck. With her ability to tell stories that linger long after the last word, Justine leaves a mark not only in the world of branding but also in the hearts of her readers.
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