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Debbie W.'s Reviews > The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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by
Debbie W.'s review
bookshelves: historical-fiction, own, 2022-reads, cold-war, literature-united-kingdom-ireland, wwii, books-about-books
Dec 01, 2022
bookshelves: historical-fiction, own, 2022-reads, cold-war, literature-united-kingdom-ireland, wwii, books-about-books
Why I chose to read this book:
1. I was curious after seeing so many rave reviews on Goodreads;
2. I found my copy at a secondhand store; and,
3. November 2022 is my self-appointed "Wars of the 20th Century Historical Fiction Month".
Praises:
1. author Mary Ann Shaffer's unique and clever writing style by using a friendly-letter format to share the WWII experiences of citizens on the island of Guernsey (under German Occupation) was a most interesting reading experience! Some letters were witty, many were informative, a few were mean-spirited, and a portion were heartbreaking;
2. I loved how all the characters were believably developed! I was especially captivated by Elizabeth. Even though the protagonist, Juliet, never meets her, Elizabeth plays an integral part in this story; her strong presence binds the lives of the Islanders in various ways;
3. the heartwarming, whimsical touch of romance was just the right amount for me, with no cheesiness or vulgarity;
4. I appreciated the inclusion of maps on the end pages detailing the Channel Islands, with a close-up of Guernsey itself. I like to see the location of a book's setting; and,
5. Wow! Turnips were a most reviled food source! At least four different books that I've read this past month, including this one, strongly allude to this hateful root vegetable! I personally hate turnips as it is, so I don't think that I would have faired very well during this time period.
Overall Thoughts:
Letter writing is a dying art. This book proves that it should be brought back to life.
"Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."
Recommendation?
Think that you've read enough WWII historical fiction stories? Please, just read at least one more - this one!
1. I was curious after seeing so many rave reviews on Goodreads;
2. I found my copy at a secondhand store; and,
3. November 2022 is my self-appointed "Wars of the 20th Century Historical Fiction Month".
Praises:
1. author Mary Ann Shaffer's unique and clever writing style by using a friendly-letter format to share the WWII experiences of citizens on the island of Guernsey (under German Occupation) was a most interesting reading experience! Some letters were witty, many were informative, a few were mean-spirited, and a portion were heartbreaking;
2. I loved how all the characters were believably developed! I was especially captivated by Elizabeth. Even though the protagonist, Juliet, never meets her, Elizabeth plays an integral part in this story; her strong presence binds the lives of the Islanders in various ways;
3. the heartwarming, whimsical touch of romance was just the right amount for me, with no cheesiness or vulgarity;
4. I appreciated the inclusion of maps on the end pages detailing the Channel Islands, with a close-up of Guernsey itself. I like to see the location of a book's setting; and,
5. Wow! Turnips were a most reviled food source! At least four different books that I've read this past month, including this one, strongly allude to this hateful root vegetable! I personally hate turnips as it is, so I don't think that I would have faired very well during this time period.
Overall Thoughts:
Letter writing is a dying art. This book proves that it should be brought back to life.
"Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."
Recommendation?
Think that you've read enough WWII historical fiction stories? Please, just read at least one more - this one!
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Reading Progress
August 19, 2019
– Shelved
August 19, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
September 2, 2020
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
January 30, 2022
– Shelved as:
own
November 25, 2022
–
Started Reading
November 27, 2022
– Shelved as:
2022-reads
November 27, 2022
– Shelved as:
cold-war
November 27, 2022
– Shelved as:
literature-united-kingdom-ireland
November 27, 2022
– Shelved as:
wwii
December 1, 2022
– Shelved as:
books-about-books
December 1, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 76 (76 new)
message 1:
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Darla
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Nov 30, 2022 08:19PM
I need to move this one up on my TBR. It has been on there for too long. Hope you enjoy this one more than "The Paris Library."
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Darla wrote: "I need to move this one up on my TBR. It has been on there for too long. Hope you enjoy this one more than "The Paris Library.""Oh my, Darla! I loved this one! Yes! Move it up! I'm sure that you will find it to be a quick and satisfying read!
You are reading all of my favorite WW2 novels this month! Now you must watch the Netflix movie because it’s really well done! So happy to see you glow for this book, Debbie!
Lovely review Debbie. I haven't read the book but loved the movie!
Oh the days of letter writing! Remember getting penpals around the world?! Anyway,.... wonderful review, Debbie; happy this one made such an impression on you!
One of my favorites, ever. Also, the movie…. Additionally the author wrote about her own life on the Channel Islands during WWII.
I like your last comment about reading one more book on WWII. Tempting.Very nice review Debbie. Oh I wouldn't touch a turnip. I'd starve first.
Fascinating! Who knew that turnips were so despised? 🤷♀️ Wonderful review, Debbie! This sounds like a great story! 💗
Lori wrote: "You are reading all of my favorite WW2 novels this month! Now you must watch the Netflix movie because it’s really well done! So happy to see you glow for this book, Debbie!"That's awesome, Lori! There's definitely some excellent stories out there! Unfortunately, I also came across some duds. I don't subscribe to Netflix, but I'm glad that it's a great film.
Carol wrote: "Lovely review Debbie. I haven't read the book but loved the movie!"Thanks, Carol! And I haven't seen the movie! This book was such a winner for me!
Jenna wrote: "Oh the days of letter writing! Remember getting penpals around the world?! Anyway,.... wonderful review, Debbie; happy this one made such an impression on you!"Oh yes! Penpal letters were the best! I still try to write a Christmas letter to friends and family who live quite a distance from me.
This was such an excellent read, Jenna! Thanks!
Donna wrote: "One of my favorites, ever. Also, the movie…. Additionally the author wrote about her own life on the Channel Islands during WWII."Thanks, Donna! Didn't see that in this book! I did read that while the author was researching another book while in England, she heard about the German Occupation in Guernsey and traveled there to learn more. I'm glad she did, because with her unique writing style, this book is definitely a keeper for me!
CoachJim wrote: "I like your last comment about reading one more book on WWII. Tempting.Very nice review Debbie. Oh I wouldn't touch a turnip. I'd starve first."
You and me both, Jim! 😂
Kat wrote: "Fascinating! Who knew that turnips were so despised? 🤷♀️ Wonderful review, Debbie! This sounds like a great story! 💗"Thanks, Kat! Seems like turnips were an easy vegetable to grow and harvest and were quite abundant on the Islands and on the Continent.
I've always wondered about this book. It sounds lovely and I agree. Bring back letter writing (and cursive too!) An amazing review Debbie 💞📝
Tina wrote: "I've always wondered about this book. It sounds lovely and I agree. Bring back letter writing (and curse too!) An amazing review Debbie 💞📝"Thanks, Tina! Based on your reading style, I think that you would enjoy this lovely story.
Great review Debbie….but have you tried neeps with haggis and mashed tatties, all washed down with a wee dram! It’s delicious😋
David wrote: "Great review Debbie….but have you tried neeps with haggis and mashed tatties, all washed down with a wee dram! It’s delicious😋"Haha! Nope to haggis! Just Googled neeps and yes, I have, because they're turnips, but nope, don't like them! As for mashed tatties (potatoes) - I like those!
I think I’ve read this one twice. But it’s been several years. It’s time for me to read it again.
Debbie, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Suz wrote: "Lovely, Debbie!"Thank you, Suz!
Irma wrote: "I think I’ve read this one twice. But it’s been several years. It’s time for me to read it again."Irma wrote: "Debbie, I’m so glad you enjoyed it."
Thanks, Irma! Good for you to take the time to reread favorites! After joining Goodreads, I have so many books on my WTR list that rereading seems like a pipe dream for me.
Lovely review, Debbie. I've had this on my list for so long! Maybe I should pick it up next year at least. :)
Yay! I’m so glad you loved this too!! Wonderful review, Debbie😁
This book has always received praise but didn't particularly interest me. I might give it a go one day! PS -- I love root vegetables. Nothing wrong with turnips!
Srivalli wrote: "Lovely review, Debbie. I've had this on my list for so long! Maybe I should pick it up next year at least. :)"I do hope that you do, Srivalli! Thank you!
TXGAL1 wrote: "Yay! I’m so glad you loved this too!! Wonderful review, Debbie😁"Thank you so much, TXGAL1!
Jasmine wrote: "This book has always received praise but didn't particularly interest me. I might give it a go one day! PS -- I love root vegetables. Nothing wrong with turnips!"Haha, Jasmine! I love root vegetables too, just not turnips!
Anyway, I know how you feel - sometimes I see books raved about on Goodreads, but I have absolutely no desire to read them. There's so many others on my WTR list to get to first!
I love that quote! This was a delightful read for me as well. I got inspired and started writing letters to family after reading it. Also, that effort has waned. Maybe it's time to bring it back. Thanks for the nudge.
Lisa wrote: "I love that quote! This was a delightful read for me as well. I got inspired and started writing letters to family after reading it. Also, that effort has waned. Maybe it's time to bring it back. T..."Wow! That's wonderful that this book was so inspirational for you, Lisa! Maybe writing a Christmas letter is the way to go.
Nice review Debbie. I read this several years ago and really enjoyed the story and the authors use of letters to tell the story. I used to love getting letters in the mail and yes sadly it is a dying art.
When my sons were in college I would every now and then send them a written letter in the mail- then I would have to tell them to check the mail😟 they couldn’t understand why I would write a letter and send it in the mail when there is E mail and texting!
I have this! Now I need to push it up! So excited by your review, Debbie. I did see the movie and it was Hallmark cute.
I saw the movie a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I’d definitely recommend the film since you loved this book. I look forward to reading this myself sometime soon. I have it on my bookshelf right now.
Carol wrote: "Nice review Debbie. I read this several years ago and really enjoyed the story and the authors use of letters to tell the story. I used to love getting letters in the mail and yes sadly it is a dy..."
Thank you, Carol! Yes, unfortunately sending letters is a thing of the past. Obviously, texting and emailing are so much more time efficient.
Karina wrote: "I have this! Now I need to push it up! So excited by your review, Debbie. I did see the movie and it was Hallmark cute."I never saw the movie, Karina, but the book is sure good!
Leeanne wrote: "I saw the movie a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I’d definitely recommend the film since you loved this book. I look forward to reading this myself sometime soon. I have it on my bookshelf ..."Oh, I do hope that you get to it soon! I understand that this movie was on Netflix, but unfortunately, I'm not a subscriber.
What a fun review this is, Debbie! Thanks for putting this one on my radar. Note: I am not a turnip fan either, the only thing I dislike more is Brussels Sprouts!
Sarah wrote: "What a fun review this is, Debbie! Thanks for putting this one on my radar. Note: I am not a turnip fan either, the only thing I dislike more is Brussels Sprouts!"Thanks, Sarah! Haha, actually I don't mind Brussels sprouts!
Ugh – the only way I can stand to eat them is oven roasted, then shredded with bacon and Parmesan added. I once had a three hour standoff at my childhood dinner table, because I refused to down those suckers. Oh well, more for you hey?! 🤣🙌
Sarah wrote: "Ugh – the only way I can stand to eat them is oven roasted, then shredded with bacon and Parmesan added. I once had a three hour standoff at my childhood dinner table, because I refused to down tho..."So, Sarah, how do you really feel about Brussels sprouts? 😂
Enjoyed your review— turnips are yucky and I wish we all wrote more letters! 😎
Heidi wrote: "Enjoyed your review— turnips are yucky and I wish we all wrote more letters! 😎"Yes and yes! Thanks, Heidi! 😂
Debbie wrote: "sometimes I see books raved about on Goodreads, but I have absolutely no desire to read them. There's so many others on my WTR list to get to first!"Exactly!
Jasmine wrote: "Debbie wrote: "sometimes I see books raved about on Goodreads, but I have absolutely no desire to read them. There's so many others on my WTR list to get to first!"Exactly!"
👍
Fantastic review Debbie!!! This is a true oldie but goodie!!
I love the movie and never thought of reading it..hmm. 🤔 I saw a Japanese tv series and they were eating rice porridge and turnips, pretty common when there's little to eat i guess. 😖
Barbara wrote: "Fantastic review Debbie!!! This is a true oldie but goodie!!"Thanks, Barbara! Yes, I see that it was published in 2008! I must be one of the last stragglers to the plate with this book! 😂
Kay wrote: "I love the movie and never thought of reading it..hmm. 🤔 I saw a Japanese tv series and they were eating rice porridge and turnips, pretty common when there's little to eat i guess. 😖"Makes me think that turnips grow very well, no matter what the conditions are!
I’m so glad you loved this, Debbie! Wonderful review! 🤗
