Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction
Pages: 291
Publisher: Dial Press
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook
"'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 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 member were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island- boast 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."
My Rating: 5/5
I heard about this book from my best friend. Her local book club had read it and she just had a feeling that I would love it. She knows me so well! This story captured my interest within the first quarter and I was intrigued throughout. The idea of using letters for the format during this crucial setting of post-WWII was truly astounding and made the plot seem lighter at some points than it really was. That being said the story didn't just contain memories from a brutal war. It contained moments of friends, comradery and romance for many of the characters. I would highly recommend the audiobook as all the voice actors are fantastic and look forward to recommending it to other lovers of historical fiction in the future.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
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