A quirky tale

I loved this book!

It was the perfect suggestion from Kate - something uplifting, different and beautiful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society intrigued me from the title alone. The book did not disappoint.

The book starts in 1946 at a time when London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Whilst she is contemplating subjects, she receives 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 he exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and its a great eccentric and fascinating world. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—created on the spur of the moment as an alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—provides a wonderful and funny cast of characters and gorgeous stories from all of them.

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.

What I loved about the book was also all the other correspondence between Juliet and her London based friends - very clever, witty and engaging. What I didn't enjoy was the fact that there were no chapters - and therefore it was impossible to put this book down - I loved it (I think I may have already alluded to this!).


One thought for you - prompted by this quote in the book: 'Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers' - do you think sometimes you choose books by your choice or is it fate that guides you to read them? I just think there have been occasions that I have picked up a book (seemingly randomly) in a shop, and it has spoken perfectly to me at that particular time or need. Just a thought...