The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Charming. Witty. Heartwarming. Exquisitely different from anything I’ve read in a very long time. Comprised of letters written to and from members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, this tale gently unwinds the stories of a group of people during the Occupation and Liberation of a tiny member of the Channel Islands. A compelling story that encompasses love, friendship, courage, war, loss and new beginnings.

Juliet, witty authoress of Izzy Bickerstaff Goes to War, is looking for the subject of her next book, her first book since the end of World War II. While in London, she is introduced to the Guernsey Literary Society through a letter sent to her by one of its founding members, the quiet and thoughtful, Dawsey Adams. So begins the story of the Occupation of Guernsey and the stories of courage of the Literary Society’s members. With each letter, exquisite details of the war’s effects on the island and its inhabitants endure bringing to life the hunger that existed due to food rations, loss of lovers and children and heart-wrenching choices that had to be made; send your children to England for protection or keep them with you during uncertain times and possibly death.

Juliet’s emotional journey is deep and as a reader you will go on the journey with you. An elegant book about the power of books and of friends. The Guernsey Lliterary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a gem. Treat yourself. I highly recommend it.