Emma Kaufmann's Reviews > The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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![918165](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210282495p2/918165.jpg)
Once again I find myself reading ten pages of a book which is meant to be 'great' and wondering why it is just rubbish. I was meant to read this for a book club but it was about as palatable as a potato peel pie so I spat it out uneaten.
Now, I'm sure there are American authors who can write in an authentic British voice (no one springs to mind, and Elizabeth George is terrible at it but at least her plot is not clunky) but Mary Ann Shaffer isn't one of them.
This book has an epistolary plot that just goes clunk clunk clunk.
Firstly, it is set in London in 1946 where we meet a fairly posh author who, rather than using the polite and rather stilted language that people used in 1946 sounds like Sex in the City circa 2008.
I mean, come on, Mary Ann, have you ever even read a letter from 1946?
So, you have letters flying around in 1946 which sound like they were written sixty years later. How are you meant to get into this?
Then of course, a man in Guernsey writes to this author woman, says he has found a book with her name and address written on the flyleaf, there are currently no books in Guernsey, can she procure him some from London? Of course the lady author sends this poor man in Guernsey some books and writes him long letters. As if.
Note to Americans: posh English authors in 1946 would not have been quite this effusive to a person who wasn't even a fan of her books.
Obviously this clunky device is meant to start a stupid story going about this guy in Guernsey telling her all about his experiences when the Nazi's invaded Guernsey. Save me. All about as authentic as a Hallmark movie about the Nazis.
This book reminded me of the children's American Girl series which take periods in history, and have a girl heroine who gives a personal and hightly sanitized view of American history, but does a fairly good job seeing as the audience for these books is 6 to 10 year olds. But this book is meant to be for adults. Save me. This is WWII lite.
Take this quote:
"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.”
Or maybe someone bought it in a bookshop and took it to Guernsey?
This sums up the tone of this tome. Twee beyond endurance.
Now, I'm sure there are American authors who can write in an authentic British voice (no one springs to mind, and Elizabeth George is terrible at it but at least her plot is not clunky) but Mary Ann Shaffer isn't one of them.
This book has an epistolary plot that just goes clunk clunk clunk.
Firstly, it is set in London in 1946 where we meet a fairly posh author who, rather than using the polite and rather stilted language that people used in 1946 sounds like Sex in the City circa 2008.
I mean, come on, Mary Ann, have you ever even read a letter from 1946?
So, you have letters flying around in 1946 which sound like they were written sixty years later. How are you meant to get into this?
Then of course, a man in Guernsey writes to this author woman, says he has found a book with her name and address written on the flyleaf, there are currently no books in Guernsey, can she procure him some from London? Of course the lady author sends this poor man in Guernsey some books and writes him long letters. As if.
Note to Americans: posh English authors in 1946 would not have been quite this effusive to a person who wasn't even a fan of her books.
Obviously this clunky device is meant to start a stupid story going about this guy in Guernsey telling her all about his experiences when the Nazi's invaded Guernsey. Save me. All about as authentic as a Hallmark movie about the Nazis.
This book reminded me of the children's American Girl series which take periods in history, and have a girl heroine who gives a personal and hightly sanitized view of American history, but does a fairly good job seeing as the audience for these books is 6 to 10 year olds. But this book is meant to be for adults. Save me. This is WWII lite.
Take this quote:
"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.”
Or maybe someone bought it in a bookshop and took it to Guernsey?
This sums up the tone of this tome. Twee beyond endurance.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
September 8, 2008
– Shelved
September 8, 2008
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 142 (142 new)
![Emma Kaufmann](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210282495p1/918165.jpg)
Emma,
I loved this book. I bet you read "Harry Potter" and think that JK Rowling (HACK) is a great author. LOL
I loved this book. I bet you read "Harry Potter" and think that JK Rowling (HACK) is a great author. LOL
![Carla Mcdonald](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Kristi Taylor](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1573139699p1/1208022.jpg)
![Emma Kaufmann](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210282495p1/918165.jpg)
What makes you think I have read Harry Potter? I haven't nor have any interest in doing so. I think my criticism of the Potato Peel book is pretty valid. If you're going to try to write in a certain period please do some research to make it sound like 'English woman from the 1940s' rather than 'American woman from 2007'. Well the author's dead, but that's what I'd tell her!
![Jen](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1193174752p1/67414.jpg)
Secondly, while I thought it was a little too quirky for the books' own good at the beginning, once I actually gave in, it was one of the greatest stories ever. Something about the resilience of the Guernsey folks and the childlike curiosity of the columnist really hit home for me.
By not reading the entire novel, you didn't get to feel the growth of the letter-writers and the far reach of politics that underlies the frivolity of the initial letters. It's actually a nicely subversive book in some ways. To each his or her own, but because your criticism is based on the first few pages, you should be prepared for people to disagree with you.
![Emma Kaufmann](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210282495p1/918165.jpg)
Life's far too short to read a hammy author like that! I didn't read it because it was dreadful and ten pages was enough. Doesn't matter if the author was higher or lower class she didn't sound in any way English. I have read plenty of letters by English people during the forties and they sound nothing like this stuff in the book.
Who says I care if people disagree with me? Disagree with me all you like. But you won't convince me that this author has an ounce of talent. If you can't write a good first few pages you are not a good author.
![Carla Mcdonald](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
I think it's more about this disturbing trend wherein people feel the need to snottily rip apart a book with no respect whatsoever for the work and creativity the author put into it.
It goes without saying that we all have different literary tastes...what I love, another reader may not. And there's nothing wrong with that. Diversity in reading should be celebrated!
But there are better ways to express why a book didn't work for you. Constructive criticism will always be more respected by fellow readers than a horrid, ripping insult-fest that accomplishes nothing. It's been my observation that those who write these kind of "reviews" (they aren't a true review, but for lack of a better word at the moment) are simply seeking attention -- the old negative-attention-is-better-than-none thing.
Whatever. The only effect is has on me is that I don't respect any of that person's other "reviews" and won't even read them.
But for those who write constructive reviews out there....keep it up! I love reading your thoughts!
It goes without saying that we all have different literary tastes...what I love, another reader may not. And there's nothing wrong with that. Diversity in reading should be celebrated!
But there are better ways to express why a book didn't work for you. Constructive criticism will always be more respected by fellow readers than a horrid, ripping insult-fest that accomplishes nothing. It's been my observation that those who write these kind of "reviews" (they aren't a true review, but for lack of a better word at the moment) are simply seeking attention -- the old negative-attention-is-better-than-none thing.
Whatever. The only effect is has on me is that I don't respect any of that person's other "reviews" and won't even read them.
But for those who write constructive reviews out there....keep it up! I love reading your thoughts!
![Emma Kaufmann](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210282495p1/918165.jpg)
I know all about the plight of the Guernsey Islands without reading this book. Ten pages is certainly enough to judge a book. I just get sad when there are so many bad books out there.
@Michele
I'm not being snobby at all. The author didn't do her research so I fail to take on board the criticism about me having no respect whatsoever for the 'work and creativity' the 'author' put into it. She wasn't even really an author, I believe she was a bookseller who had a go at writing this? And everyone's first novel is best left in their top drawer like this one should have been. Maybe she would have improved with time who knows.
You don't seriously expect me to respect an author just because she happens to have been published do you? I would say at least 50% of books currently published are mediocre to atrocious.
Just because you don't care for a particular novel, doesn't mean that everyone else should be deprived of their work as well. Nor does it mean that you need to take low swipes at it. Believe it or not, there are more constructive ways to critique a book. I've read quite a few critiques of this book that in essence cover your points, but without being so snotty.
You, of course, have the right to critique in the manner you choose, but if you're going to put it out there in a public forum, you'd better be prepared for dissension.
And clearly no one is asking you to respect an author just because they are published. It wouldn't hurt you, however, to have a little respect for the work (good or bad) an author put into it.
I'm almost curious (but not quite) exactly what your definition of an author is, Emma. If she was a bookseller before she wrote a book, clearly in your view this disqualifies her. Does one have to write from birth to be considered an author? (Nevermind, you don't have to answer that.)
Regardless, judging by sales and other reviews, there are millions of readers who are very happy that this novel wasn't left in a top drawer somewhere. I also suspect the publisher is quite glad of it, as well.
Happy reading, Emma. I do hope you find something more to your liking in the future!
You, of course, have the right to critique in the manner you choose, but if you're going to put it out there in a public forum, you'd better be prepared for dissension.
And clearly no one is asking you to respect an author just because they are published. It wouldn't hurt you, however, to have a little respect for the work (good or bad) an author put into it.
I'm almost curious (but not quite) exactly what your definition of an author is, Emma. If she was a bookseller before she wrote a book, clearly in your view this disqualifies her. Does one have to write from birth to be considered an author? (Nevermind, you don't have to answer that.)
Regardless, judging by sales and other reviews, there are millions of readers who are very happy that this novel wasn't left in a top drawer somewhere. I also suspect the publisher is quite glad of it, as well.
Happy reading, Emma. I do hope you find something more to your liking in the future!
![Carla Mcdonald](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
There are so many books, and so many readers.
Everyone should have the right to decide on their own if they like a book or not. I am glad that I read the book before reading your comments, and hope that most people will give it a chance.
It's not a life-changer, but it is a good read, and certainly well worth the effort. And, if you review any more books, I'll be sure to try them!
![Desiree](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
I am one of the many plebs that found this book delightful and laughed out loud from the beginning.
You're terribly lucky to be so knowledgeable about letters, social customs and the like from 1947 as clearly this then makes it possible to make generalisations about the education, manners and responses of people from that time. I was unaware that formal manners and one's class sapped all uniqueness; and that despite the fortitude, humour and kindness required to survive the war - still enabled people to be put into neat boxes thus. Frankly, if I were an author to whom you're referring at that time - I might be somewhat miffed.
I digress. I would concede that - Yes perhaps an American should not write as English person (do you out of interest write American characters in your works?), and there are characterisations that may lack imagination or depth, but for me (an ex-pat of nearly two years now) it meant that I simply felt I had met them before - and could then get on with the business of being their friend and delighting in their company.
There are too many lines to mention in this lovely tale that have made me laugh out loud and brightened a considerably dull convalescence.
I hope that you find equal enjoyment in more worthy novels.
Regards
Desiree
Ps. A rhetorical question really but I wondered perhaps if you live somewhat inland and not near a body of water?
![La Petite Américaine](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1218985191p1/59329.jpg)
I didn't like this book either, I thought it was pointless, boring, and sucky. And Emma didn't even have to finish the book to come to that conclusion.
![K](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![La Petite Américaine](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1218985191p1/59329.jpg)
Ten points to Khaya. Oh, and Khaya, if you send me your address in a message, I'll send you my copy of the book.
![La Petite Américaine](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1218985191p1/59329.jpg)
![Michelle](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1679781763p1/808405.jpg)
I dont think there would be many 'Good Readers' out there who would take the advice of a person who's read ten pages of a book seriously.
Happy days to all from Australia...
![K](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Michelle](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1679781763p1/808405.jpg)
![Charity](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1614437330p1/129343.jpg)
So, she only read 10 pages. Big deal! I have a friend that gives up on any book that makes her roll her eyes three times. Does that make her less qualified to give a review of her reading experience? Does it have to be a book report to have merit?
Why does it matter to ANY of you if she liked the book...10 pages or otherwise?
Sometimes sloppy beginnings can be worse than weak endings or sagging middles. At least with the latter, you've had a good reading experience leading up to that point...something that kept you reading it. When you have a sloppy and/or weak beginning, there is really nothing compelling you to read on (and you may just be finishing the book just to finish it). Not everyone has the same reading experience with a book.
However, every time I turn around, I see people on this site getting bent out of shape because someone writes a critical review of a book they love (especially with regard to popular fiction). What I don't see very often is people who hated a book attacking those who loved it. Are we required to love every book, or at the very least, have lukewarm feelings about every book to keep from being attacked via the comment box?
I seem to be only echoing Khaya's sentiments (which I found to be right on!), so I'll leave with this...
Emma-
I found your review to be very helpful, as well as your comments. I personally have felt no real draw to this book. Interesting that you used the phrase "Hallmark movie" because that's the image that pops into my head when I read about this book. Not that I don't read sentimental pap that is just itching to be on the Hallmark Channel. I do...plenty of it. I'm not a book snob by any stretch of the imagination. I just feel that life is too short and there are too many books out there to waste your time on the one's that don't float your boat. I believe that was your point...
![La Petite Américaine](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1218985191p1/59329.jpg)
Charity, lol to the Hallmark channel. Frickin hilarious. :)
![ScottK](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1603134088p1/234101.jpg)
![Kirsty](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1540240669p1/904493.jpg)
The review facility is here for people to express their opinions on a book, whether those opinions are good or bad. As long as you are speaking from your own experience of the book, it is all valid. I would ignore the people who attack you for not liking something. How you review something, and what you put into that review are choices personal to you - nobody should be trying to stop you.
![Denis](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1307296620p1/902839.jpg)
By the way, I got off of a bus in Buffalo once, looked up and down the street and decided right there that I didn't like the city.
![Heather steff](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Elizabeth](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Kerrie](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1236745154p1/2115990.jpg)
![Jorgina](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1208736039p1/1057717.jpg)
![Pattie O'Donnell](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1547837773p1/741799.jpg)
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who wasn't bowled over by it.
As for being ablt to review a book after ten pages, I have a policy where I put a book down forever upon the first mention of a brand of women's shoe. One mention of "Jimmy Choo" or "Manolos" and it's over. I don't care if it's the first page - back to the library it goes (doesn't apply here, obviously, but still - the point is that you CAN make a judgement after a few pages).
![Margaret](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1338391761p1/2182001.jpg)
This is a good discussion. Personally I liked "Guernsey" quite a lot. I love to have my history served up in readable doses, but I am curious: I read someone's comment (not here) that it is too bad the author didn't use "Guernsey names." What names would have been more appropriate choices, can anyone tell me?
Note to Khaya: Someone in our book group recently suggested that before abandoning a book, a reader should read a total of the number of pages of the book minus his/her age -- which, as we are all rather long in years, usually meant not very many pages at all!
![Susan](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Eva-Marie](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1357707739p1/1336770.jpg)
How about trying to be adult about the issue and TALK about it? Find out WHAT exactly she didn't like, tell her WHAT exactly you DID like, and agree to disagree if it comes to that? How hard is that? I thought this site was mainly full of adults but I can't tell sometimes. You people should be ashamed of yourselves. I wonder how many of you are raising children. *shudder*
I haven't read the book yet- just got it actually- but I think I will like it from what I know of it so far. But even if I love it I wouldn't make someone who hated it out to be a snob or stupid or any of the number of things you people imply.
I'm so glad that Emma stuck to her guns and didn't apologize for her thoughts to the likes of people like you.
Michele wrote: ""I mean, come on, Mary Ann, have you ever even read a letter from 1946?"
What are you talking about? This is one of the best books I have ever read and I am a librarian so I have read many many. Any time I learn something I didn't know, I consider it a worthwhile read but I love this form of letters between people. What did you think of 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff or are you old enough to know who she was? You didn't change my mind about the book but made me that much more Pro Ms Shaffer and Barrows.
What are you talking about? This is one of the best books I have ever read and I am a librarian so I have read many many. Any time I learn something I didn't know, I consider it a worthwhile read but I love this form of letters between people. What did you think of 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff or are you old enough to know who she was? You didn't change my mind about the book but made me that much more Pro Ms Shaffer and Barrows.
Charity wrote: "Seriously. Why do people feel the need to come out of the woodwork to bash the people who dare criticize their favorite book (du jour)?
I didn't choose the book because I thought it would be a HALLMARK variety but because I liked the title.
The reserves have been over 150 at any one time and that said something to me. The other thing was that each character discusses and recommends authors and books. What's not to like about that? Ok so I am a librarian and LOVE finding books and authors new to me. You don't HAVE to like what others like. I am just surprised in this case. Oh and I don't know what the language was of that day so didn't pay attention. The mention of shoes was rather off but....
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
I didn't choose the book because I thought it would be a HALLMARK variety but because I liked the title.
The reserves have been over 150 at any one time and that said something to me. The other thing was that each character discusses and recommends authors and books. What's not to like about that? Ok so I am a librarian and LOVE finding books and authors new to me. You don't HAVE to like what others like. I am just surprised in this case. Oh and I don't know what the language was of that day so didn't pay attention. The mention of shoes was rather off but....
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
![Eva-Marie](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1357707739p1/1336770.jpg)
Why are you, and the rest, uptight because this woman didn't like this book? I doubt even the author of a book would take it as personal as some of you are. I find this incredible. Do you people actually look for the negative reviews of books you love? Pick up a book YOU love and go read- you'll be much happier and stress free I would think! LMAO
Emma, the author was THERE in the Guernsey Islands.She did her research. So what if she didn't speak in the language of the times. I only pay attention to that when I don't like the book anyway.
The author was sick, very sick when she finally got down to write it. She had done her research earlier.
I learned a whole lot from it. I am sorry that you didn't. I am only finding a few bad reviews of it- and they are here at this site. Go figure.
..."
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The author was sick, very sick when she finally got down to write it. She had done her research earlier.
I learned a whole lot from it. I am sorry that you didn't. I am only finding a few bad reviews of it- and they are here at this site. Go figure.
..."
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
![Laurin](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1215656236p1/362844.jpg)
Then recently someone in the Audiobooks group on Goodreads mentioned that this was the best book she had EVER listened to as an audiobook. Hearing that, I promptly checked out the audiobooks version of the book. It was fantastic! This is the kind of audiobook that makes me not care if I get stuck in traffic while listening to it! There is a full emsemble cast reading the letters, telegraphs, etc. They really create a vivid picture of all the characters and breathe life into the story.
I have a question, if Eva's review is not considered bashing, then why is that us disagreeing with her is considered bashing her (you).
![Eva-Marie](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1357707739p1/1336770.jpg)
Second of all, a review is what this site is about- it's a book reviewing site among other things. It is NOT, however, a site where it is looked pleasantly upon to jump on others who don't agree with you.
Grow up. Get a life.
I hope you, and anyone else who enjoys spending their time making sure everyone knows that anyone who disagrees with them is wrong, have a very bad day. :)
Now- you have two choices and we all know, scratch that- some of us know which one you'll make. 1. You can go on and enjoy your day and NOT think about me (because you can bet money I won't be thinking about you! LOL_
Or
2. You can write comments back to me, the person who left this review, anyone else who doesn't agree with your thoughts on books, etc. and spend your time likewise.
It'll probably be the latter but hey, what can we do right?
As for me, this got boring very fast and as a last thought- grow up and be a damn adult.
Wildjean- your question above just might be the most stupid question I've heard all year. A review, whether you agree with it or not, is not bashing. I won't see it, but if you care to explain for the others how that's possible feel free. Are you 10 years old? Even a review calling a book every garbage name out there isn't "bashing" in the sense you're trying to use. A review is a review. Get a clue. I can't even believe someone typed something so absolutely STUPID.
♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "First of all, Eva didn't leave a review for this book as Eva hasn't read it as of this moment.
What I don't understand is why you and others are saying that we are bashing YOU. Just because I don't take on your review doesn't mean I am bashing you.
When someone writes a review without reading the whole book, what can I say? I might not read a whole book but then I don't review it either. I figure that is my preference not to read it but I am not going to suggest that it is not worth reading either.
What I don't understand is why you and others are saying that we are bashing YOU. Just because I don't take on your review doesn't mean I am bashing you.
When someone writes a review without reading the whole book, what can I say? I might not read a whole book but then I don't review it either. I figure that is my preference not to read it but I am not going to suggest that it is not worth reading either.
![Altomom](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_25x33-ccd24e68f4773d33a41ce08c3a34892e.png)
![Barbara](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1243516384p1/2361277.jpg)
I have just one question for Emma though: if a book is situated in Bavaria in the 9th century ad should the book then be written in mediaval German so no one understands it or should it be written in modern day english so the whole world can read it?
![Allison](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1597175459p1/2188689.jpg)
I suggest everyone have some ice cream and take a breath.
![Janene](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1522612869p1/1739786.jpg)
Many may not agree w/my reviews...but they're honest and how *I* am feeling about the book. I really don't expect nor care to agree with (you) or you to agree with me. We're all different. I'm going to be true to myself. Just like Emma.
![Kris](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1210776389p1/93892.jpg)
Unfortunately, the author cannot answer herself since she passed away before publication.
But I think we can safely assume, since she lived through WWII, that yes, she had read letters from that time period and I would venture to say even wrote a few of her own.