Some of my favourite books (and movies), are those I am given or come across that I've never heard of before...and after finishing I find myself disappointed that it had to come to an end. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (quite a mouthful of a title, excuse the pun) has been one such book for me, and is one I don't hesitate for a second to recommend. It works equally well as a read-on-a-summer-holiday or read-beside-a-cosy-crackling-fire and will give you a fascinating personalised insight into lives that have just emerged from the harrowing events of WWII in England, on Guernsey Island and in Germany, with a mixture of beauty, love, humour, friendships, suffering and tragic loss.
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| St Peter's Port, Guernsey. Photo found here |
The story is set in post-war England 1946 and is written as a series of letters and telegrams sent back and forth between Juliet Ashton, an author, her editor/publisher/dear friend Sidney Starks and a variety of friends and acquaintances. One day she receives a letter from a Mr Dawsey Adams, who is a member of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, a group that was unwittingly created to outwit the German occupiers. This letter sets off a remarkable account of Guernsey Island, the occupation and a group of people who display the best qualities of family, warmth, comradery, with certain doses of eccentricity and a generous amount of humour.
In one of her letters to Sidney, Juliet perfectly sums up my own sentiments...
'...Quite apart from my interest in their interest in reading, I have fallen in love with two men: Eben Ramsey and Dawsey Adams. Clovis Fossey and John Booker, I like. I want Amelia Maugery to adopt me; and me, I want to adopt Isola Pribby. I will leave you to discern my feelings for Adelaide Addison (Miss) by reading her letters. The truth is, I am living more in Guernsey than I am in London at the moment - I pretend work with one ear cocked for the sound of the post dropping in the box, and when I hear it, I scramble down the stairs, breathless for the next piece of the story....to me, these people and their war-time experiences are fascinating and moving...'
The characters are wonderful - I found myself wanting to join the Society too! If you're like me you'll giggle at the humourous quips and personalities, and then find yourself instantly sober and have the tears welling up with the stories of loss, tragedy and suffering that is intertwined throughout. It paints a great picture of how life was at that time during the occupation on Guernsey Island - what was normally a beautiful, peaceful haven - a land I had heard of by name but had no prior knowledge about. You'll probably come to the end with a desire to visit Guernsey and discover more.
:: Great Gift Idea ::
This would make a great gift particularly for any lady: mum, grandma, sister, friend... If you're looking for a gift, this makes a great one. And it's very reasonably priced at The Book Depository with free international delivery!
:: Extra interesting info ::
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| Photo source here |
I discovered that the story is due to be made into a film for next year (2013). Kate Winslet has been cast as one of the lead roles, so it will definitely be one to look out for! You can find recent news articles about this here and here.
Random House Publishers have a great website with more information about anything related to the book, including a link to Google Maps in which all the locations mentioned in the book are marked on the actual map of the Island.
You can even find a recipe for Potato Peel Pie. It comes with the following warning: '...it tastes like paste. The more authentic it is, the nastier,' so it's not necessarily one you're going to rush to the kitchen to make!
:: Win your own copy! ::
I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I have! If you haven't yet read it, I would love to treat one of you with your own copy. Please leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner at random this Sunday evening, February 5th, at 9pm here in Switzerland (Monday morning 9am, NZ time). Please make sure to include your email address if you do not have a blog. This is open to all of you - internationally!
:: Link in with your review ::
The linky is right here..... so please link up your review of the book from your blog!
Mrs Readalot's Book Club was created by Simone, who also has a wonderful blog Greatfun4kids. If you'd like to join in, or even sign up to host a month, you can find out how here.
