I had heard so many good things about Mary Ann Shaffer's book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that when I saw it at the library, I just had to pick it up. Doesn't it have the LONGEST title ever? I'm a sucker for WWII novels so I thought I'd like it. And I LOVED it. It's going on my top ten favorites for this year. It's one of those books I'd go out and get my mom, grandma, and sister to read.Here's the plot:
London, 1946 (post-WWII)
Juliet Ashton, a somewhat comedic writer for a newspaper is promoting her new book when she gets a letter from a person in Guernsey (an island in the English Channel). He has a book that once belonged to her and they both share a mutual affection for the writer, Charles Lamb. Through this correspondence and more, Juliet becomes aware of what happened to the people on Guernsey during WWII (the island was occupied by the Nazis) and how and why a few of these people developed the Literary Potato Peel Pie Society - which is an odd name for a book club. She decides that their story may make a great subject for a new book, so she goes to Guernsey to get to know these people.
The entire book is written as a collection of letters, sometimes written by Juliet, her publisher, her friend, and the people of Guernsey.
I loved the way this book was written. The letters made it all more personal and the story develops bit by bit because you are delved out the information along with the recipient of the letters. I also LOVED Juliet Ashton. She has such a fun wit and writing style. And the Guernsey people are just beautiful and loving. I could see how and why Juliet becomes entranced by their stories. I immediately Googled Guernsey to see photos of the beautiful island.
Of course, there is a love story which was so sweet (totally safe for moms and grandmas). I'm not telling you anything more though. You'll have to read it for yourself.
**I must be the LAST person to have read this because it's Also Reviewed By:Shelf Love
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