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 new
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 members were discovered breaking
curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts 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.
Where to begin reviewing such an incredible book? I love everything about this story: the characters, the time period, the writing style, and the island of Guernsey. This story is based on actual event in history with the Germans occupying the island of Guernsey during WWII. I had never even heard of this island, and it was fascinating to read of actual events that occurred there. But more than that, as a reader, you are transported back to a time where people actually made more time for each other and had the time to write more than a one line text. I loved watching the story unfold as Juliet makes new friends on the island and keeps up with the demands of her publisher, all through beautifully written letters. I laughed at Juliet's sense of humor, and appreciated her love of reading and writing. Here are a few great quotes about books and reading from Juliet's letters:
"I love seeing the bookshops and meeting the booksellers-- booksellers
really are a special breed. No one in their right mind would take up
clerking in a bookstore for the salary, and no one in his right mind
would want to own one-- the margin of profit is too small. So, it has to
be a love of readers and reading that makes them do it-- along with
first dibs on the new books.”
“I am to cover the philosophical side of the debate and so far my only thought is that reading keeps you from going gaga.”
“That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a
book, and that tiny thing will lead you to another book, and another
bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically
progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than
sheer enjoyment.”
“ 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.”
This a a treasure of a book, one that I love picking up again and again!
Rating: 5
Published 7.2008Labels: Historical Fiction, Review
