The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one of the few books I have re-read. I read this book about two years ago and instantly feel in love. When I saw it on the buy two get one free book stand at Barnes and Nobles I could not help myself, I had to buy it. After re-reading I am sure that was one of the best purchases I have ever made. I could not survive with out this book. It is amazing!!
I read it the first time because a friend recommended it. I was gushing about a wonderful World War II fiction book I had just finished, and she told me that I might like this one. It does not take place in the war, but right after and deals with the affects of the war on the people of the small Channel Island of Guernsey. She even went as far as to lend me her book. If the description did not make me want to read the first page sealed the deal. The cover opens up to a page with a quote from the book, "I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers". That made me want to dig into the book even more.
Reading this book a second time was like coming home, or snuggling up it in the familiar pair of pajama pants. It was familiar. I knew the story. I knew I would love it. I did not remember every detail, but I knew the outcome. I rediscovered the reasons I love this book so much.
The book itself has a different set up from many of the other books I have read. The book is written entirely in letter and telegrams and notes. You learn everything you know about the characters from their communication. There is never any actually dialogue, just in the stories the characters tell each other. Most of the letters in the novel are written by or to the main character Juliet.
Juliet is a spunky 32 year old English writer. During the war she wrote a column called Izzy Goes to War. She took a light hearted view on the war, and made people laugh which is what they needed in the difficult time. After the war Juliet is looking for a subject for a book she wants to write. As her and her publisher, Sidney, who is also a close friend, correspond you learn she has no idea what to do. She is lost.
Inspiration comes in the form of a letter. Juliet receives a letter from Dawsey Adams. A man who lives on the small island of Guernsey. He came across a book that used to be Juliet's, and thoroughly enjoyed it. He writes to ask her if there were more books by that author. Juliet writes back and they begin corresponding, not only about the author but also about the island, the Occupation, and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a group that was created during the Occupation of the island during the war. One night some islanders found a pig to roast and decided to have a supper party with proper food that they had not seen for months. The supper was great and so was the conversation, so great infact that they stayed out an hour after curfew talking. While trying to sneak back home they were stopped by some German soldiers. Elizabeth, one of the party guest and later a Society member, was quick on her feet and told the officers that they were at the Guernsey Literary Society meeting and they got out very late. The officers believed her, and the club was created. At first was to just keep their story, but after a while the members went because they liked the meetings. The reading distracted them from the horribleness of their situation.
Juliet finds this society very intriguing and decides to use it in an article she is writing about the affects of reading. She begins to write letters with more society members than just Dawsey. She quickly becomes friends with islanders. The rest of the story is the wonderful journey of their friendship. If I tell you more then it would just ruin the book for you, so you will just have to read it.
And when I say read it I mean drop everything you are reading now and pick up this book. It is amazing. It will take you away from real and bring you somewhere new. Somewhere with good people, wonderful books, good food, and wonderful scenery. I can not give a higher recommendation to any other book. This book is a readers book. It perfectly encompasses my feelings on reading. Reading is an escape when needed, it bring revelations, and most importantly it brings people together. It can bridge gaps other things can't. It can bridge the English Channel or the entire Pacific ocean. Books brought together the people on Guernsey and it kept them from going insane in a time that made absolutely no sense. Reading made these people strong. Reading gave them something to live for. Reading ended up saving their lives.
I am going to leave you with my favorite quote from this book. After reading this book you will find this quote extremely true. "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."
Keep on reading, dear readers!!
Lindsey
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