The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I just love novels written in the epistolary form, don’t you?

Our story begins with correspondence between writer Juliet Ashton and her publisher, Sidney Stark. Juliet is searching for her next book subject. She stumbles upon a great idea when she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, who has just read a book that used to belong to Juliet. His further interest in Charles Lamb interests Juliet, as does his experience during the war. This is what inspires her. . .

Dawsey Adams and his fellow inhabitants of Guernsey (Channel Islands) formed the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. During the occupation of Guernsey (WWII), the society read and discussed literature. Their experience was unique—they were cut off from the rest of the world and took comfort only in each other and literature.

Juliet is determined to hear their stories and share their stories with others. She begins by soliciting correspondence from the society’s members and is quickly seduced by the cast of characters from Guernsey. Of course, she travels to Guernsey, and the fun begins!

This is a lovely, touching story of friendship, love, and literature. The writing is effortless and a joy to read. Recommended.

11/1/08