How does one review this incredible piece of literary genius? The blurb on the back cover says it all, and I can’t even begin to imagine how to better it.
I must admit it took me a while to get into this unusually written story, but I was glad that I persevered with it. When it came to the end, I was saddened it had; for “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” was one story which could have gone on forever!
Okay, so for those of you who haven’t yet read it, here’s a very brief synopsis, as any more info given will spoil it for you – but make sure you add it to your “to read list”.
Juliet Ashton is an author with “writers’ block” [join the club]. Having penned some successful stories during World War II, she is now troubled at what to do next, until she receives a letter from Guernsey. Dawsey Adams has acquired a book of Charles Lamb (English Essayist and Poet: 10 February 1775 – 27 December 1834), which has Juliet’s name and address written on the inside of the front cover.
It is the beginning of a series of letters between the two of them, and many more characters, including her best friend, and her best friend’s brother who happens to be Juliet’s publisher. Slowly the correspondence reveals the origins of the society and its unusual name, during the time when Guernsey was occupied by German military forces during the Second World War.
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is made up in its entirety of a series of letters commencing in January 1946 through to September 1946.
What makes this book a wonder is that, although it was the brainchild of author, Mary Ann Shaffer, it was finally completed by her niece, Annie Barrows, when Mary Ann’s health gravely deteriorated.
Annie’s afterword sums it up, and I can honestly say, I have never come across a book such as this. It is a wonderful and truly delightful story; one I don’t believe can be equalled.
For those of you who are of a sensitive nature, make sure a box of tissues isn’t too far away!
5 stars (if not more) are definitely well-deserved.
RLB – Tomewriter
PS. I will make a point of buying the film which was released in 2018…… I can’t wait!
tomewriter 