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291
Novel • Fiction
Guernsey • 1940s
2008
Adult
14+ years
930L
Set shortly after WWII, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society follows London-based writer Juliet Ashton, who begins corresponding with Guernsey islander Dawsey Adams. Intrigued by Dawsey’s literary society, Juliet learns about the members' experiences during the German Occupation, visiting the island, uncovering its history, and forging deep connections, ultimately finding love. The novel includes depictions of the German Occupation and Nazi concentration camps, with references to sexual assault and exploitation.
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Romantic
808,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is praised for its charming epistolary format and endearing characters, though some find the plot predictable. Its historical backdrop of post-WWII adds depth, but a few readers feel the story can be overly sentimental. Overall, it's an engaging and heartwarming read.
Readers who enjoy The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society appreciate historical fiction set in World War II, epistolary novels, and stories of resilience and camaraderie. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find similar emotional depth and historical insight in this novel.
808,428 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dawsey Adams
A reserved and thoughtful farmer from Guernsey who loves books, particularly those by Charles Lamb, and plays a significant role in Juliet's exploration of the island's wartime history.
Elizabeth McKenna
An islander whose wartime experiences and relationships, especially with her daughter, significantly impact the narrative, despite her absence.
Christina "Kit"
The young daughter of Elizabeth McKenna, known for her perceptivity and wily nature, around whom the community and Juliet gather to provide care and support.
Sidney Stark
Juliet’s devoted editor and close friend, known for his astute publishing insights and supportive nature.
Amelia Maugery
An influential member of the Guernsey society known for her kindness and pivotal role in the group's formation.
Isola Pribby
A community member recognized for her eccentricity and keen interest in detective work and phrenology, who becomes an ally to Juliet.
Eben Ramsey
An astute and compassionate member of the society, with a strong, though sorrow-filled, connection to his family history.
John Booker
Once a valet who took on a false identity during the war, his actions inadvertently led to the formation of the society.
Will Thisbee
The creator of the society's namesake Potato Peel Pie and a key founding member of the group.
Remy Giraud
A resilient Frenchwoman who survived the Ravensbrück concentration camp and seeks to rebuild her life following her release.
Markham "Mark" V. Reynolds Jr.
A charming American publisher whose courtship of Juliet is marked by his domineering tendencies and lack of true appreciation for literature.
291
Novel • Fiction
Guernsey • 1940s
2008
Adult
14+ years
930L
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