The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
 

What a joy!
I just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows and found myself reading slower and slower so the book wouldn't end. This is my "Book of the Year," and it's not even December yet.

The story takes place in 1946, right after World War II, and consists of a series of letters between a writer (Juliet) from London and the citizens of Guernsey, a Channel Island between the UK and France.

Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis during the war, and all communication between the Islanders and the rest of the world was forbidden. After the war Juliet receives a letter from an Islander who "came across her name on a secondhand volume by Charles Lamb. Perhaps she could tell him where he might find more books by this author." As the story evolves, other Islanders write to Juliet with their experiences of Nazi occupation, pig farming, literature . . . and the recipe for potato peel pie.

One quote from the book is: "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." That was certainly the case for me with this book!

Judy
Tony's Third Period English Class

I agree! Wasn't it pure delight? So many books, so little time ('cause I keep falling asleep, but not with this one.)

Is this a chick book?

Hmm. Tony, there are no car chases, no indecent passages, nothing blows up, and nobody is murdered.



CAUTION, SPOILER ALERT:

There is some thievery and a foot chase...

I mis-wrote.
I forgot, but the book DOES have some murdering and bombing.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
 

Judy ~

You are so right!! This was a great book! Not only was it a delight to read and so entertaining, but I learned about Guernsey, an island I knew nothing about before reading this book. It's one of my favorites from this year, too.:coolsmiley:

Sunflower & Linda, I'm glad you both enjoyed it! Normally, I don't care much for the "letters" style of writing, but I thought it was perfect for this book. And like you, I didn't know anything about Guernsey or the German occupation during the war.

Ah yes, that's what is known as an epistolary novel.......uh oh maybe I should not say things like that. Somebody around here might get all epistolaried off and write a letter...er... post...accusing me of being an English major.)

Anyway, Judy, the book sounds like a good one. Thanks.

Boomer :read:

Judy and Boomer show up in the same thread, and Boomer writes about the book being like a pharmacy or some such, and I now think I know that this forum is harboring two English majors.

You know, if Barefoot were one would she be an English majour?

You're welcome, Boomer! Let us all know what you think of it -- if you have a chance to read it. And thank you for the definition of the "letters" style of writing. Epistolary. I like that word. I'll try to work it into a sentence this week. :wave: How's your weather? (oops, off topic. I'm in for it now) :police:

And Tony, now you're trying to draw Barefoot into this. We all know (depite your denials) that your use of the subjunctive in your post definitely qualifies you as an honorary English Majo(u)r. :p

Judy,

My weather? Well, I have been taking those virtual tours of TV houses again. It is not only too cold here. It is too cold, too soon.

And that was a nice catch on Tony's use of the subjunctive mood.

Boomer

Ah yes. Episilatory. Like St. Paul and 'em.

I read him. He is good.

I like good. I like uu, she is funny. I will read the book. I like a good shoot um up.

You sure it don't have no dirty parts?

Gracie, no dirty parts. Despite that, it's still a very nice book. :thumbup:

Boomer, it was so cold here tonight that I had to wear my wool coat, scarf, and mittens to the concert at the Church on the Square! It was way down in the 50's. With the wind chill it might have been in the 40's. :cold: Brrrr.

To sleep, perchance to dream, of the 40s, as an English major is wont to say. Not me. An English major.