The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | 
 enlarge | Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
Publisher: The Dial Press
Category: Book
List Price: $22.00
Buy New: $10.98
You Save: $11.02 (50%)
New (38) Used (9) Collectible (1) from $10.98
Rating:  136 reviews
Sales Rank: 17
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.8 x 1
ISBN: 0385340990
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780385340991
ASIN: 0385340990
Publication Date: July 29, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
“ 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 131 more reviews...
 A wonderfully quirky, romantic, funny book you will love September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
One of my author friends, Dennis Batchelder, author of Soul Identity, mentioned The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - that he was reading it and thought it would be a great read for others. This is like where do chefs like to go out to eat on their days off - you look to see so you can experience the best.
And the best is this sweet book. Yes it is different - but it is something I as a fledgling writer would love to use as inspiration -
This book not only entertains with a young writer in London, post WWII, who has found success with her observations, being contacted by a gentleman in Guernsey, but a history lesson, so subtle and exquisite, it tells us of the German occupation in Guernsey - I for one didn't know that the Germans were that close to mainland UK - that is one more frightening fact, that is not known by many.
Juliet Ashton, gets the letter from Dawsey Adams in Guernsey. He has an old book of hers and wants to ask for information on an author, and starts to tell her about the Literary Society his friends have formed.
So starts a lovely and touching correspondence between Juliet, Dawsey, and all his friends, and the correspondence from Juliet and her publishing friends -
Yes - it is a book of letters and telegrams - and it envelopes you in its web and you feel you are a part of the Literary Society yourself.
This is a book of the love of the written word, from ordinary folks just trying to survive in a horrible time, and who, through their bond, triumph.
It is a different book, filled with delightful characters and situations, and one you will love as much as I.
 Different but Delightful - 4.5/5 stars September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
At first glance I passed on reading this book until people began to rave about it. I think it was the title that made me think it might be silly; I'm glad I gave it a try. I loved the book but I do think it is the type of book that would not appeal to most men. I found this epistolary novel to be charming and sweet. It had me grabbing for the post it notes to jot down a passage or two along the way.
The novel unfolds in 1946 London. A writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next project after the war. Juliet lost her home and her possessions which included a cherished book collection. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from a resident of Guernsey, named Dawsey Adams. Dawsey tells her that he owns a book by Charles Lamb that once belonged to Juliet. Although she is intrigued by this, it is his comments about a roast pig bringing about the start of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that makes her want to learn more. Juliet begins to correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their love of literature, and the impact the war has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, an unforgettable island, and what she finds changes her forever.
I was touched by the charming inhabitants of this unforgettable island who turned to literature in terrible times. Animal lovers beware there are a few references in the book which really upset me. Despite this, I am still happy that I read this book.
Charming Guernsey September 3, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
What a delight! This book brought me so many smiles, along with a few tears, imagining the characters and of course, the lovely locale. The "letters" were certainly a charming and personal way of presenting the characters with their stories and histories. As a member of a book club I was drawn to this book by the mere mention of literary society in the title and I was certainly not disappointed. A terrific book club read.
Lovely book-history lesson and love story too! September 2, 2008
This book is such an easy read, that no one has an excuse of "not having time" to read (e.g. ME!) The entire book is comprised of letters, so it is easy to read one or two pages at a time, and not have to stop in the middle of a chapter, however, it is so interesting, you'll not stop after two pages. The authors are able to pull the story off very well, albeit that it is all letters back and forth to different characters. It is not at all confusing as I thought it might be.
As I stated in the title, you will be learning about history (WWII in Guernsey, with the German Occupation) meanwhile, following the main character's love interests. Definitely enjoyable. (I didn't give it 5 stars as I feel that should be reserved for fantastic works of literature.)
Shades of 84 Charing Cross Road if it was written by Jane Austen.... September 2, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The book was reminiscent of 84 Charring Cross Road, written in a series if letters peopled by characters and a love story channeling Jane Austen. A group of Guernsey Islanders share their memories of life under German Occupation during World War II with a London columnist who becomes so charmed by the letters, she visits the Island. The Islanders are brave and ordinary, witty and dour and, to the man and woman, people I wanted to know. I so thoroughly enjoyed the book, I didn't want it too end.
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