The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Summary
Introduction
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society is a historical novel written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It was published in 2008 and became an instant bestseller. The book is set in 1946 and tells the story of a young writer named Juliet Ashton who receives a letter from a man named Dawsey Adams who lives on the island of Guernsey. The letter sets off a chain of events that leads Juliet to discover the story of the Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Juliet Ashton, a successful writer, who is looking for a new subject for her next book. She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a farmer from Guernsey, who has come into possession of a book that once belonged to her. Dawsey tells Juliet about the Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club that was formed during the German occupation of Guernsey during World War II.
Juliet becomes intrigued by the society and decides to visit the island to learn more about it. She meets the members of the society, including Dawsey, Isola Pribby, Eben Ramsey, and Amelia Maugery. She also learns about Elizabeth McKenna, a member of the society who was arrested and sent to a concentration camp during the occupation.
As Juliet learns more about the society and its members, she begins to understand the impact that the occupation had on the people of Guernsey. She also learns about the sacrifices that were made by the members of the society to protect each other and their community during the war.
Themes
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society explores several themes, including the power of literature, the importance of community, and the impact of war on ordinary people.
The members of the society are all avid readers who turn to books as a way of coping with the difficulties of life during the occupation. They find solace, comfort, and inspiration in the books that they read and in the discussions that they have with each other.
The society also highlights the importance of community and the bonds that are formed between people during times of hardship. The members of the society rely on each other for support and protection during the occupation, and their friendships continue long after the war is over.
The impact of war on ordinary people is a recurring theme in the book. The members of the society are deeply affected by the occupation, and their lives are forever changed by the events that they experienced during that time.
Main Characters
The main characters in The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society include:
- Juliet Ashton - a writer who becomes fascinated by the society and its members.
- Dawsey Adams - a farmer who is a member of the society.
- Isola Pribby - a member of the society who is known for her eccentricities.
- Eben Ramsey - a member of the society who is a fisherman.
- Amelia Maugery - a member of the society who is a former teacher.
- Elizabeth McKenna - a former member of the society who was arrested by the Germans during the occupation.
Conclusion
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society is a heartwarming and poignant novel that explores the power of literature, the importance of community, and the impact of war on ordinary people. The book has been praised for its engaging characters, vivid descriptions of life during the occupation, and its celebration of the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and a great choice for book clubs and discussion groups.
