Author:Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows Binding: Hardcover Published: 2008-07-29 ISBN: 0385340990 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
"Harmless Read"
"The Lost Art of Letter Writing"
"This Book Will Warm Your Heart"
"I hated for it to end"
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Editorial Review:
" 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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Harmless Read I am surprised at how well-received this book is. I don't think it's five star worthy, but it's not a complete waste of time. I think this book would be universally appealing, however, because it's a classy, charming read, but it's nothing mind-blowing. It's written as a collection of correspondence between the characters and I think that's appealing to the reader as it seems to let the reader "in" on their lives. While I certainly think this book could be recommended to ANY reader (young or old), I found... more info
The Lost Art of Letter Writing They say the art of letter writing has been lost and replaced by quick disjointed email messages and, "IMHO," not much sincerity. No where is this more obvious than in this historical fiction series of letters written after WWII. It is a piece of the war not studied by many and a huge gap in our understanding of that era and the strength of those involved. It is a format, however, that requires much looking back at previous entries since personalities become confused -- at least they did for me. After... more info
This Book Will Warm Your Heart I'm not much of a fan of reading a book because everyone else is, but if I would have skipped this one, I would have missed out on a true gem. Juliet Ashton is awash in indecision; she has just finished a very impressive newspaper series and is looking for a new book adventure. Since WWII has just ended and everyone is still uncertain she just doesn't know what to do. That is until she is introduced to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and learns about their trials and fortitude while... more info
I hated for it to end This is one of those books that makes you sad - sad that it has ended, because it is such a delight. I found it a bit slow to get into, but the very device which is a bit slow at first (the book consists only of letters between the various characters) eventually draws you fully in to the lives of these intriguing and charming (in the best sense of the word) people. You (the reader) come to know and to cherish them. And you hate to part from them.