The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by M A Shaffer and A Barrows

To say I enjoyed this book by American aunt and niece team, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, would be the understatement of the decade. I adored it. I’m only afraid that this review will not do it fair justice as I endeavour to convey its charisma without spoiling the plot.

Written through a series of letters written in 1946 between a host of colourful characters ranging from the wittily academic to the charmingly eccentric, the story is told of how the good people of Guernsey lived and survived while under German occupation from a number of points of view. The main character, London-based Juliet, a writer on a mission to find a subject for a new book, unexpectedly bonds with members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – a group formed out of necessity which in itself should intrigue you –  as they welcome her into their world and unwittingly provide her with a very special tale to tell.

I defy you to remain unmoved by this book. You’ll laugh and cry, and be contemplating a trip to Guernsey long before you sadly turn the last page.

Quotes from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society:

‘Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.’

‘Your questions regarding that gentleman are very delicate, very subtle, very much like being smacked in the head with a mallet.’

‘What a blessing that I have no imagination and am able to see things clearly.’

‘This obsession with dignity can ruin your life if you let it.’