TLC Tours Presents: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
By Kristen on Aug 4, 2009 in Book Club Favorites, Reviews
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Release date: 2008 / 274 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): January 1946: Writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.
First Line: Dear Sidney, Susan Scott is a wonder.
Review: For some strange, misguided reason, I was reluctant to read this wonderful delight of a book! I have no idea why I did not read this last year when all the book clubs were a-buzzing… except for an aversion to the title (I’m embarrassed to admit this…). I thought the title sounded a bit “precious” (as in affectedly dainty or overrefined). I do realize I should know better then to judge a book by its cover or title, especially since I had not heard one negative word against it, and if not for my friend Heather – and then the generosity of the publisher – I would still be number 221 on the library’s waiting list! Everyone I know who has read this novel has loved it. As did I.
So, why is this little gem is so beloved? Somehow the authors (and aunt and niece), blend a fascinating history lesson on the German Occupation of the Channel Islands (specifically Guernsey), with a treatise on following one’s heart and passion, as well as embrace the sustaining gift of friendship.
I am not a huge a history buff, unfortunately, and this novel presented history just the way I like it – as a story of how individuals were affected by the actions of others, by their government, and by others’ ideology. I have never read such a moving portrayal of what the day-to-day lives of occupied residents became during wartime.
However, Shaffer and Barrows do not succumb to the temptation to simply vilify the Germans, nor do they blindly idolize the British. At first, I was afraid that this would be the case. I was fortunate to spend six months in Cambridge, England during my junior year of college, so I would have continued to read the novel even if it had been a tribute to Brittania! But, fortunately, a number of good-hearted Germans appear and lend necessary complexity to the reality of Occupation.
Beyond the history, this novel is simply pure enjoyment. As an epistalotory novel, this is a one or two sitting read. And, since it is written as a series of letters, the narrative is very dependent on the “voice” of the writers. The dominant voice is Juliet’s – a writer who falls in love with Guernsey and its inhabitants – and during a visit finds much more than the subject of her next novel. Her wit is such a delight as well… Here is a selection of some of my favorite observations. They may not translate as well out of context, but I couldn’t resist highlighting a bit of the humor:
- “Mr. Brouard reads Obituaries (he has his hopes, but won’t say who)…” (30)
- “Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.” (53)
- “My neighbor Evangeline Smythe is going to have twins in June. She is none too happy about it, so I am going to ask her to give one of them to me.” (58)
- “I feel as though I’ve emerged from a black tunnel and found myself in the middle of a carnival. I don’t particularly care for carnivals, but after the tunnel, it’s delicious.” (60)
In the Afterword, this passage struck as me as the key to this novel’s success:
“The wonderful thing about books – and the thing that made them such a refuge for the islanders during the occupation – is that they take us out of our time and place and understanding, and transport us not just into the world of the story, but into the world of our fellow readers, who have stories of their own.” (287)
Amen! So, if you are interested in being transported by this lovely novel, simply leave me a comment! The publisher has generously offered FIVE copies!! However, she has restricted the giveaway to residents of the United States only… Good luck!
Welcome back!
Just read this last week — took no time at all which depressed me because I did not want the book to end. So many things I loved about it, especially the wonderful characters! Everyone should read it.
Julie | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
Yes! Yes! Yes! Count me in on the giveaway. This book has been on my “to read” list all summer! Thanks Kristen!
Renee | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I hate to be a pig- because I recently won and thoroughly devoured Weiner’s latest novel (thank you!!!), but I have to throw my hat in the ring for this book too. I have heard such great things about it, and the quotes you selected out of it made me laugh out loud- even without the context! Thanks for the great review!
Kim | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I won a copy of this book somewhere else. I devoured it and then promptly went out and purchased copies as gifts for my sisters and friends. It is truly a marvelous book. I do believe it’s the best book I’ve read this year. Our book club is discussing it this Thursday–I’m sure it’ll be a great discussion.
No need to enter me in the contest (although if I did win, I’d give it to another friend! LOL!).
Karina | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I really enjoyed this novel. I thought you captured why very nicely in this review! No need to enter me though.
S. Krishna | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
No need to enter me, as I’ve already read and loved this book. Just wondering if it would be okay to link to your review on War Through the Generations?
Anna | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
Please count me in on the giveaway!
lisa W | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to read this. I’ve heard so many great things about it!!
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
MJ | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
Oh, I have been on the NYPL hold list for this book for months! Put my name in the giveaway, please!
Kari @ Five Borough Book Review | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
Just dropping by to say thank you for all the time and energy that went into reading and reviewing Guernsey for TLC! I loved this book too and tell every reader I know about it! I’m not a big history buff but I do love letters and reading and PEOPLE and I think this is why the book was so meaningful for me. Thanks again! Oh, and I Tweeted about the giveaway.
Lisamm | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
This has been on my wishlist a LONG time! Thanks for the giveaway.
lenore | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
The title put me off reading this book too originally. But I was on my way to ALA in Chicago a few weeks ago and the woman next to me was just finishing it, and she couldn’t say enough about how fantastic it was. Which is my long way of saying, please enter me in the giveaway
This book’s at the top of my list.
hannah.ehrlich[at]gmail.com
Hannah | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to win. A friend of mine recommended the book to me, so having it in my hands would move it up higher on my (admittedly substantial) reading list.
Kim | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I read this last winter and my book club is reading it this coming January. I really enjoyed it and hope that my club will give it it’s due when it comes to discussion. There is a lot to discuss here but you have to get past the lightness of some parts.
Lisa | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I’m so glad I wasn’t the very last person to read this… Can’t wait to share it!! I’ll choose winners by Saturday!!
Kristen | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
I have been wanting to read this since I first started blogging earlier this year. Please enter me in this great giveaway.
Thanks for the chance!!
sharon54220@gmail.com
Sharon Walling | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
Kristin,
No need to enter me into the giveaway–I already own two copies of this book and loved it from cover to cover. The letter format was a wonderful literary device to not only learn a bit of history from a period and an area I was unfamiliar with but this is such a gentle, uplifting and endearing story!
Linda | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
It’s funny you mention that you didn’t want to read the book at first, because I didn’t either. The title was off-putting for me, and despite the good reviews, I wasn’t eager to read the book. But seeing Annie Barrows and hearing her talk about the book made me read it, and it’s one of those books that will always be an all-time favorite. ANYWAY, no need to enter me in the giveaway, but I’ll tweet about it since I loved it so much.
trish | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
I would love to read this! Please enter me!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
rhapsodyinbooks | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for your review and giveaway! I keep hearing wonderful things about this one and it sounds like a lovely summer read. Please enter me.
Angie | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.”
Truer words have never been spoken! It is much harder for me to settle down with a warm and fuzzy (yet predictable) after reading so many books written by master wordsmiths.
Dani in NC | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
I’m also one who’s been slow to read this book – the blurbs I’ve read about it just didn’t entice me, in spite of the good reviews it’s gotten. But this review has me thinking this is a must-read, so please enter me in the drawing! Thanks!
Kim C | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
Please count me in – been hearing so much about this one, it’s about time I read it!
Kearsten | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
I would love to win a copy of this book!!! It’s been on my to-read-list for some time. After eadign yoru review I knwo I need ot bump it up higher on the list!
Angela Hipp | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
Hi Anna — I’m sorry I missed your question yesterday — please feel free to link!!
Kristen | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
I would love to be entered… have read so many excellent reviews about this books!
veedee | Aug 7, 2009 | Reply
OMG, jumping up and down and clapping. I would love to be entered to win a copy of this book.
I’m ashamed to admit it, but like you, I was a bit averted by its title. I know, silly. But I’ve been seeing all the reviews and after reading yours, I’m hooked.
Ann-Kat (Today, I Read...) | Aug 9, 2009 | Reply
I have been wanting to read this one for so long! Please enter me in the giveaway!
Thanks,
kherbrand at comcast dot net
Kristi | Aug 9, 2009 | Reply
I love your enthusiasm, Ann-Kat! Unfortunately, I have already chosen my winners…
However, I suggest that you and Kristi head to the TLC Book Tours website and check out the other reviews — I know the other reviewers will be giving away copies, too! Good luck!!
Kristen | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com
Ruth Ann | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to have the chance to win this. Thanks for sharing it!
smickelson1993 at yahoo dot com
Sue | Aug 11, 2009 | Reply
I would love to win this book! It’s so good – I borrowed it from the library and loved it. But I’d love my own copy to share with my mother.
thanks for the entry!
gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
Gaby @ Starting Fresh | Aug 15, 2009 | Reply
I keep hearing from everyone that this book is fabulous! I’d love to read it.
Jennisis (at) comcast (dot) net
Jennifer | Aug 19, 2009 | Reply
Do you have a facebook identity? I would join.
Love Guernsey…! Discussing it today at bookclub at my house. Someone is making a potato peel pie and we are having other goodies as well, including wine.
mary Binda | Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
Hi Mary! I only have a personal facebook identity, but you have got me thinking!!
I hope your bookclub was fun — sounded great!
Kristen | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
Please consider me for a copy of this book. I read it and really enjoyed it and will be re-reading it for another discussion a couple of months from now. Our state’s funding to the public libraries is being greatly cut and I will probably need to start purchasing some more books, so a free copy of this would be great!
thanks
Marilyn | Jun 9, 2010 | Reply