Oh, my heart! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society* is such a sweet read. This story made me ache and laugh and feel inspired and fall in love. It has truly become one of my favorite books.
Juliet, the main character, is an author who’s book has taken off after World War II ends. Her best friend and publisher, Sidney, has sent her on a book tour around England. The tragedies of the war, and life prior, have left her with a lingering feeling of emptiness as she returns to her home in London. While Juliet is trying to overcome writer’s block, she receives a letter from fellow a book, and Charles Lamb, lover who lives on Guernsey Island. Dawsey is a member of a book society and while searching abandoned book stores, he found an old book that once belonged to Juliet with her address written inside. She soon after learns of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the hardships the members faced as the Germans occupied their land.
After connecting with many other members of the society, particularly guarded Amelia and free-spirited Isola, Juliet finds herself on a boat to Guernsey; leaving behind Sidney and dreamy Markham Reynolds. On the Island Juliet learns Guernsey’s history, what it’s like to be accepted, true selflessness, and what she wants.
I adore that friendships are such a huge part of this book since I find they are often overshadowed in books. In this season of fabricating new friendships, I appreciate seeing such companionship. Sidney and Juliet are too charming for words, I love them so. Everyone deserves to have a friend as caring as Amelia and as genuine as Isola (such a type 4!) in their life.
The romance is sweet and simple. So is Kit, a member’s daughter, and Juliet's relationship.
There were many things that the movie (which is on Netflix) missed such as the characters Remy and Susan (Sidney’s sister and Juliet’s friend), the amount of time Juliet spent on Guernsey, Juliet and Kit’s relationship, and a famous author’s unpublished book. Though to the movie's credit, the book was written in letter form so it seems like it would be a bit more difficult to relay events accurately.
If you love letters, English culture, love, or books, you'll surely love this novel too. Could not recommend it enough.
*affiliate link