The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (Book Review)

GOODREADS REVIEW:

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.

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 BOOK REVIEW:

 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a heartwarming and delightful novel to read. The kind of book that you will certainly recommend to every readers out there, and would love to read all over again.

The thing is that I’ am so not into historical fictions (especially when you’re talking about the “German Occupation”). But unexpectedly, I really enjoyed my time getting into the world of Juliet Ashton and the residents of Guernsey. A story that I was looking out into my Goodreads account from time to time – including its ratings and reviews. However, it really took me awhile to give this one a try (years actually). So a few weeks ago, I’ve decided to buy a second hand copy of the 1^st edition on eBay for a very good price, and I’m just glad that I took the risk of buying the novel because it was totally worth it.

For the story wasn’t just unforgettable, but also a very well written historical and epistolary novel. Plus, the way the book was written by its two authors, Mary Ann Shafer and Annie, Barrows, was somewhat easy on the eye, and affable to its readers. Making them feel like they were being transported in a different era of bookworms and writers. A world in which the simple pleasures of reading gives comfort and solace to those people who were unfortunate to experience such hard and difficult times.

And I must say, as a reader of this wonderful tale of a young authoress who’ve found such new friends, family, and home in a small island, I find the story entirely charming, witty, smart, and sweet. Honestly, there a lot of words to describe it. Well apart from that, I would also like to point out that it was a very insightful one to read because it gave me an idea on how each individual (including its society) were changed during and after the war. Moreover, some knowledge of the famous books and authors in the early 1900’s. Hmm, I guess every generation has its own taste of books and genre.

Then another thing that made me so happy about the book is that the film adaptation is officially on its way starring Lily James (Downton Abbey), Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), and Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey). For more updates on the upcoming movie you can just check it out on IMDb.com for more details about it.

So the excitement was really there when I’ve first heard the news, and I just hope that it’s going to be a well-made film adaptation.

Well, that’s it for now. Till my next book review.

Thank you so much for reading.