Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Pages: 278

" “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."

I read a few reviews for this book awhile back, and heard that it was the type of book that book-lovers connect with, because of the characters love of books.

I showed my dad the cover of the book and he asked 'Do you know what Guernsey is?'
'An island in the English Channel?' I had looked at the map inside the cover of the book already
'Well, that and also the guernsey cow.' of course my dad would think of agriculture :)

I didn't really expect to like the book since it was written as a series of letters sent from this person, to that person, and back again etc. etc.... I wrong.

The first half of the book was good, the second half of the book was fantastic! I have never laughed so much while reading before. The characters are odd, witty (I love the word 'witty', I think I'll start using it more often), and absolutely lovable. Although the book was funny, it was also serious. I was near tears twice while reading Remy's letter.

I found this novel immensely enjoyable. Have you read it? If so, what are you're thoughts on the book? Who were you're favorite characters?

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