Nov 13 2008
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said? It is everything all the other wonderful book bloggers said it was: wonderful, heartwarming, hopeful, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of the most endearing characters.
Author Juliet Ashton has just come off a whirlwind book tour full of teas and meet-and-greets, and is looking for her next book idea. Her first book is a collection of humorous columns she wrote about life in England during World War II, humor her chosen way of dealing with - and helping others deal with - the horrors of war.
She’s ready to write under her own name now, but her next book idea isn’t coming to her. Then she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. He contacts her because he has picked up a book that formerly belonged to her at a book sale, and wants to correspond with her about author Charles Lamb. His letter opens a whole world to Juilet - the world of the Channel Islands under the German occupation. Dawsey mentions the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and Juliet’s interest is peaked.
What follows is the delightful tale of Juliet unfolding the tale of the people of Guernsey during the war. Through letters, she meets the most wonderful people, and discovers some things that were missing in herself. When Juliet finally visits Guernsey, it’s like the final puzzle pieces fall into place. While I knew where the book was headed, I enjoyed every step of the way, and rejoiced at the ending.
5 out of 5 stars
Wasn’t this just the best book!?! I thought it was absolutely delightful. I’m really glad it was a winner for you, too.
I’m so glad you loved it. Don’t you wish there were more books like this one?
One of my fave quotes:
“We read books, talked books, argued over books, and became dearer and dearer to one another.”
That’s how I feel about blogging books with you Carrie (although I’m not sure we’ve ever argued over a book?)
Cheers,
Carol
Joy - It was delightful - I’m so glad I picked it up.
Carol - No, I don’t think we’ve ever argued over a book either - our tastes are pretty similar.
I just read this and enjoyed it very much. I’m so glad you reviewed it!
I’ve read lots of good reviews and now with yours this book is on the top of my wish list!
I’m excited to read this book but there are so many lined up in front of it. What a delicious dilemma.
I’ve seen this one everywhere. It seems to be the “feel good” book of the year, as they say about the movies. I’m looking forward to it.
I loved this book. It is on my top three list for this year.
Laura - I don’t think I’ve seen a negative review of this book yet!
Hope - I was glad I didn’t wait, but read this one as soon as I got it.
Framed - I know, too many books, that’s always the problem, isn’t it?
Sherry - You’ve been reading so much kids’ lit to get ready for the Cybils!
Brittanie - yes, one of my faves, too.
I do plan on giving in and reading this eventually lol.