The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Book Summary
Introduction
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a historical novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It tells the story of a writer named Juliet Ashton, who receives a letter from a man named Dawsey Adams, who lives on the island of Guernsey. The letter leads Juliet to discover the story of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club formed during the German occupation of the island during World War II.
The Plot
The novel is set in 1946, shortly after the end of World War II. Juliet Ashton is a writer who is trying to decide what to write next. She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a man from Guernsey who has found her name in a book he bought. Dawsey mentions that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and Juliet becomes intrigued.
Juliet starts to correspond with Dawsey and eventually learns about the society's formation during the German occupation of Guernsey. The members of the society would gather to discuss books and share food, including potato peel pie, which was made due to a lack of ingredients during the war.
Juliet decides to visit Guernsey and meet the members of the society. She stays with Dawsey and his daughter, Kit. During her stay, Juliet learns more about the society's members and their experiences during the war. She also discovers that Elizabeth McKenna, a former member of the society, was arrested and sent to a concentration camp in Germany.
Juliet becomes obsessed with learning more about Elizabeth's story and eventually discovers that Elizabeth died in the concentration camp. Juliet decides to write a book about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, using the stories she has collected from its members.
The Characters
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society features a wide range of characters, each with their own unique story. Some of the main characters in the book include:
- Juliet Ashton - The protagonist and a writer who becomes fascinated by the story of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- Dawsey Adams - A member of the society who initiates correspondence with Juliet
- Elizabeth McKenna - A former member of the society who was arrested and sent to a concentration camp during the war
- Isola Pribby - A member of the society who is known for her eccentric behavior
- Kit McKenna - Elizabeth McKenna's daughter, who was raised by Dawsey after her mother's arrest
The Themes
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society explores a variety of themes, including:
- Friendship - The book club serves as a source of support and comfort for its members during the difficult times of the war
- Love - Several characters in the book experience romantic love, but the love between friends is equally important
- Survival - The characters in the book must find a way to survive and thrive during the German occupation of Guernsey
- Memory - The book club is a way for the characters to preserve their memories of the war and the people they lost
The Reception
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was well-received by critics and readers alike. It was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2009 Independent Booksellers' Book of the Year award.
The book was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and unique format - it is told entirely through letters and telegrams. Many readers also appreciated the book's exploration of a lesser-known aspect of World War II history.
The Adaptation
In 2018, a film adaptation of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was released. The film starred Lily James as Juliet Ashton and featured a cast of well-known British actors, including Michiel Huisman, Penelope Wilton, and Tom Courtenay.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but many fans of the book enjoyed seeing the story brought to life on the big screen.
Conclusion
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a charming and heartwarming novel that explores the power of friendship, love, and memory. Its unique format and historical setting make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction.