Book The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society
Introduction
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece Annie Barrows. It is an epistolary novel, composed entirely of letters, telegrams, and notes. The novel was published in 2008 and is set in 1946, just after the end of World War II. The story is set on the island of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy, France.
The Plot
The story begins with a letter from a man named Dawsey Adams, who lives on the island of Guernsey, to a London-based writer named Juliet Ashton. Dawsey found Juliet's name and address in a book by Charles Lamb, which he bought from a second-hand bookshop. Juliet and Dawsey begin corresponding, and he tells her about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club formed during the German occupation of the island.
Juliet is intrigued by the story of the book club, and decides to visit Guernsey to write an article about it. When she arrives on the island, she meets the members of the society, and begins to learn about their experiences during the war. She also begins a romance with a local farmer named Markham Reynolds.
The book club members tell Juliet about Elizabeth McKenna, a former member of the society who was arrested by the Germans and sent to a concentration camp. Juliet decides to write a book about Elizabeth's experiences, and begins researching her story.
The Characters
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society features a cast of memorable characters, including:
- Juliet Ashton, a writer who becomes interested in the book club and its members
- Dawsey Adams, a farmer and member of the book club
- Elizabeth McKenna, a former member of the book club who was arrested by the Germans
- Markham Reynolds, a local farmer who becomes romantically involved with Juliet
- Amelia Maugery, the founder of the book club
- Isola Pribby, a member of the book club who is known for her herbal remedies
- Eben Ramsey, a member of the book club who is an artist
- Kit McKenna, Elizabeth's daughter
The Themes
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society explores themes such as the power of literature, the effects of war on individuals and communities, and the importance of friendship and community. The book also touches on the idea of identity, as the characters struggle to define themselves in the aftermath of the war.
Another important theme in the book is the idea of resistance. The characters in the book, particularly the members of the book club, resist the Nazi occupation of their island in various ways, through acts of kindness, bravery, and defiance.
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 talented actors including Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, and Penelope Wilton. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was generally well-received by audiences.
Conclusion
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a charming and heartwarming novel that explores themes of literature, war, and community. The characters are memorable and well-drawn, and the story is engaging and thought-provoking. Whether you read the book or watch the film adaptation, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a story that will stay with you long after you finish it.
