The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Summary
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.
My Review
I watched the movie version of this story several years ago and really enjoyed it, so I finally decided to read the book, and I’m so glad I did! I didn’t realize going in that it’s an epistolary novel, written entirely through letters. At first, I found it a bit confusing to keep track of all the different character POVs, but listening to the audiobook, which features a full-cast narration, made a huge difference. I highly recommend the audio version to help keep everything straight and bring the story to life.
I absolutely loved this book. It was compelling, engaging, and completely captivating. I was surprised by just how invested I became in the story and the characters, the further I got into the book. Even though I’m not usually drawn to WWII fiction, this book struck a perfect balance—it offers glimpses into life during the war but also focuses on the years that follow, showing how people rebuild, reconnect, and find meaning again.
The characters are unforgettable, and I found myself constantly eager to find out what would happen next. After finishing the book, I went back and rewatched the movie. Though there are some expected differences between the book and film, I thought it was a solid adaptation. Both versions are emotional and impactful—I was in tears by the end.
This is such a beautiful, heartfelt story about friendship, community, resilience, and love. It’s full of warmth and wisdom, with so many meaningful moments and messages. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth and unforgettable characters.