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Linda Sexauer's Reviews > The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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Several years ago, I worked at an art gallery here in Anchorage. Though I loved the art, I wasn’t much good at selling it. More often than not, I just chatted up the customers, who were from all over the world.
One night, four elderly people wandered in. They told me they were from a tiny island off the coast of southern England called “Guernsey”. I’d never heard of it, so they proudly explained it was the only part of British soil that had been occupied by the Nazis during World War II. The island was occupied for a long five years; an experience to which they had all been witnesses. At that moment, Guernsey was marked in my mind.
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow’s new book, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is an opportunity to travel back in time to 1946 Guernsey.
Beginning early 1946 in London, Juliet Ashton, a British writer, and former war journalist, is emerging from the ashes of the war to rebuild her life and her identity. She has lost her home and all her possessions, most regrettably her book collection. Out of the blue, she responds to correspondence started by a resident of Guernsey, who has managed to obtain a second-hand book once owned by Juliet, in which she had long ago written her name and address. Through this initial contact, Juliet meets an entire community, and the course of her life is redirected.
Easily reminiscent of Helene Hanff’s epistolary classic, “84 Charing Cross Road”, the novel is written in the epistolary style. Shaffer and Barrow skillfully use this medium to successfully establish their characters and a solid storyline.
Charming, funny, sweet, and thoughtful, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is a story that women might find more appealing than men. Yet, it is unflinching in its wartime recollections. The deprivations and devastation of the time are imaginatively and convincingly conveyed.
At its core, this is a book about the love of reading, and the magic of books.
I highly, highly recommend “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”.
One night, four elderly people wandered in. They told me they were from a tiny island off the coast of southern England called “Guernsey”. I’d never heard of it, so they proudly explained it was the only part of British soil that had been occupied by the Nazis during World War II. The island was occupied for a long five years; an experience to which they had all been witnesses. At that moment, Guernsey was marked in my mind.
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow’s new book, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is an opportunity to travel back in time to 1946 Guernsey.
Beginning early 1946 in London, Juliet Ashton, a British writer, and former war journalist, is emerging from the ashes of the war to rebuild her life and her identity. She has lost her home and all her possessions, most regrettably her book collection. Out of the blue, she responds to correspondence started by a resident of Guernsey, who has managed to obtain a second-hand book once owned by Juliet, in which she had long ago written her name and address. Through this initial contact, Juliet meets an entire community, and the course of her life is redirected.
Easily reminiscent of Helene Hanff’s epistolary classic, “84 Charing Cross Road”, the novel is written in the epistolary style. Shaffer and Barrow skillfully use this medium to successfully establish their characters and a solid storyline.
Charming, funny, sweet, and thoughtful, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is a story that women might find more appealing than men. Yet, it is unflinching in its wartime recollections. The deprivations and devastation of the time are imaginatively and convincingly conveyed.
At its core, this is a book about the love of reading, and the magic of books.
I highly, highly recommend “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”.
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Jessica
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Aug 15, 2008 01:42PM
What a wonderful memory to have along with this book!
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Jersey and the rest of the channel islands were all occupied as well.
I am curious why you would say this book might appeal to women more than to men. I am a man, and I loved this book.
Ross wrote: "Jersey and the rest of the channel islands were all occupied as well."I was going to say this! My husband is from the Isle of Jersey - their war museum is really interesting and informative.
Perhaps your friends at the art gallery were referring to all of the Channel Islands, rather than just Guernsey. Either way, I've added this to my to-read list :)
thanks for sharing such a "small world" story, and connection to the book! I thoroughly enjoyed the book as well!As for Lawrence's comment about being a man...I must agree, the book leans more towards the female audience mostly b/c of Juliet...but glad that Lawrence enjoyed it nonetheless (there ARE great male characters too!)
Hi. I am wondering, I guess, what makes a book appeal mainly to women or to men. I think there is such a distinction. For example, I'd say a woman reader would be more in tune with pure "romance" fiction, like on the shelves in the grocery store. But I think those books have a target market. Otherwise, I find it hard to find the "key" to what makes a book woman oriented or man oriented. In the Potato book, I liked the female characters as well as the others. What do you think of "Run" by Ann Patchett? A lady's or a gentleman's book??
I JUST read Run....so good question.But before I answer, I think my opinion is based upon not knowing very men that read fiction outside of Stephen King or the guy who writes all the lawyer books like The Firm or Pelican Brief.
Pathetic, no?
My husband and his friends are more non fiction...
My book "circles" are so female based...so I think I guess I prob view most books as female oriented. ha!
RUN: you're right, good story for males, heavy male cast of characters...but again, the center of it all is this little girl (and her mother and their own beloved mother....).
Anyhow, good example, good points you make!
(way better than "chatting" with this Emma, hee hee)
ps, I just reread that...what a terrible sentence: "I think I guess I prob..."my brain is mush today: I teach 1st grade and have 2 small children!
Hi, again. I mainly read fiction. I do read some nonfiction, but fiction is what I love. Maybe that is why I ask the question about what women or men like in fiction. Your points are good, too. Maybe, the distinction is a little phoney and it's all just a question of being open to the book --- I mean, more analytical about it as a book, rather than just taking a simply "feeling" approach. Then, all kinds of books will be accessible. (?????) Thanks for taking the time what with the kids at home and at school!
i also thought it reminded me of the book "64 Charing Cross Road." I loved that book and really enjoyed this one as well.
I am loving this book! so much life and joy in the midst of deprivation and despair!
Linda, flagged for you. When they're gone let me know and I'll remove this post too.
When did you work in Anchorage? Anna Washakie had paintings there a few years ago. She lived in Fairbanks, and since my husband liked her work, we have a perpetual one-woman show in our living room.
Lucky you to have met someone from there!
"At its core, this is a book about the love of reading, and the magic of books." I could not agree more. A book which, the moment I finished it, I wanted yo read another. I was so saddened to learn the author had died before completing the text, and heartened that her niece had taken on the task of completing it.
It was a man who recommended that I should read this book.
thb
Just curious but why were the elderly people proud that their land was occupied by the Nazis during WWII?
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Thank you for the great review. You shoukd write yourself.
I just finished it and really liked it also.
I just finished it and really liked it also.
Loved the mention of "84 Charing Cross Road! I immediately thought the same thing as I began reading this book.
Loved this book. I've read it several times.
To Dana, I don't think they are proud they were occupied by Nazis, they are proud they survived it. Many countries after the war like Italy, and France just wanted people to move on and forget. How can you forget something like that? I don't think you can. Also this was probably the biggest part of many of the citizens lives, these stories they tell arnt just stories it's who they are. When a survivor of World War Two tells a story of war time I think they should be proud because Most people are proud of them for being able to even tell the story, for being able to live through such events, and to share it with us.
If you look around in Italy, you will see multiple plaques honoring the murdered, the deported, partisans, bystanders, etc. in railroad stations, street corners, house walls, etc. Many of them have fresh flowers on the sidewalks below them or hanging from them. Italy suffered the worst mass civilian killings of World War II. People move on here because it's a vibrant country, but I would not say they forget.
The place sounds really interesting.
Hi linda, I want to read this book. Please, could you borrow me?Thank a lot!.
Vili.
Thank you for the wonderful review! I’m halfway through the book & was curious if the whole book would be written in letters from one character to another! The epistolary style certainly works for this book, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourite books! Again, thanks for the great review!
More appealing to women than men? You are selling us short. I've seen the movie, and I'm reading the book, and I am enthralled. It is magnificent.
Although you may be correct in your assessment that it is more appealing to women than men, I for one absolutely LOVED this book and expect that anyone, male or female who enjoys good literature will take to this one.
I saw the movie and I loved it. I have not read the book but I would love to read and compare the two. Dennis more said he was enthralled and its magnificent.
A delightful way to tell a story. Funny and romantic but gives insights to some very difficult and horrific times.
As regards the above discussion of "men" books vs "women" books - I think that there is a cultural norm of women reading more fiction than men, however two of my best friends, my brother and my father - three out of four being fiction readers - all loved Guernsey. I think that it would appeal to any historical fiction reader as well as a wide, but more difficult to define audience beyond.
Can someone recommend me books similar to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? I absolutely adore this book and would love to read some more of this sort.
Books like this are a wonderful way to learn history. Loved it.
Perfect review of a lovely book!
Enjoyed the audio version very much. Might listen again!
I actually collected stamps from Guernsey back in the days, but watching the film want me visiting the Island now. And later on Alaska 😉. I bet the book is just as charming, even for a man😀.
Speaking as someone who has worked in bookstores and now in a public library, there's no distinction between books enjoyed by men and those enjoyed by women. It's a common misconception. Even the people picking up a book will tell me, "I know it's unusual for someone of my gender to enjoy this..." because that's what they've always been told. But I've seen no evidence of that in practice. Otherwise, great review!
Fabulous review! I love how you were introduced to Guernsey!
