The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Version: Unabridged
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer , Annie Barrows
Narrator: Paul Boehmer
Genres: Literature
Publisher: Random House Audio
Published In: July 2008
# of Units: 7 CDs
Length: 8 hours
Ratings:
Tell Your Friends:

Overview

" 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." January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Reviews (22)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Written by Janice on April 22nd, 2013

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Historical fiction not your thing? This book, one of my all time favorites, could change your mind! I have read the print book more than once and enjoyed the audio version also. The author's characters are alive and well developed. The historical setting during WWII is accurate. My deep regret is that the author died and won't be writing anymore wonderful books. She made the island and its inhabitants so real that I would love to visit there. Today the island is much more developed and modern I will be looking for and hoping to meet people who knew someone who lived there during the war.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Written by KP from Hurricane, WV on September 10th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Fantastic book!!!! I was worried that I wouldn't like that this book when I realized that it nothing but written letters but I completely fell in love with it. Well done!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Written by Anonymous from Lexington, MA on September 8th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Love listening to this book. It's a clever series of letters and through the exchange of notes and longer letters you really get to know the characters so well. It's a lovely story.

Guernsey Literary Society

Written by Anonymous on August 17th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I loved it. The personalities came through beautifully in the writings of the characters. The story was wonderful, as was the narration.

A wonderful book

Written by Anonymous on December 28th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This one was a wonderful surprise. I normally stay away from "letter" form stories. But this one was fresh, interesting and very engaging. I recommend it to anyone interested in history, especially the second world war. It also immersed me in another time and culture, a blessed relief from this one.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Society

Written by Anonymous on April 11th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Well written and interesting view of WW II. Format takes a bit getting used to, but overall a delightful book.

A Collection of Letters

Written by John Parker on December 24th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 1/5

I could not finish this book. It felt like, rather than writing a novel with a beginning, middle and end covering a defined story arc, the author had compiled a lot of research and said "How can I use all this stuff... oh, I'll write a bunch of letters back and forth."

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Written by Barbara Ann on October 16th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 5/5

What a cute book! It took a little getting used to because the entire book is nothing but letters and telegrams back and forth, but what a great story about the stories of the German occupation during WWII.

woefully overrated

Written by Peggy Stortz on October 8th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 1/5

I'd heard so many positive things about this book that I was stunned at how boring it was. My mind kept wandering and I kept rewinding until I finally ejected it and sent it back.

What a fun read/listen!

Written by suzski on October 8th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Love, love, loved the book! Even though the entire story, told through a collection of letters, seemed a bit disjointed at first, I was rapidly drawn into the plot and was sad when it ended.

Author Details

Author Details

Barrows, Annie

Annie Barrows has written many books for adults, but Ivy and Bean is her first series for kids. She lives in northern California with her husband and two daughters.