The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Novel
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Novel is a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of World War II. Written by Mary Ann Shaffer and completed by her niece, Annie Barrows, the novel was published in 2008. It 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, one of the Channel Islands between England and France.
The Plot
The plot revolves around Juliet Ashton, who is searching for a subject for her next book. She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a resident of Guernsey, who has come across a book that once belonged to her. The two begin to correspond and Dawsey tells Juliet about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club that he and his friends formed during the German occupation of the island.
As Juliet learns more about the society and its members, she becomes drawn into their stories and the history of the island during the war. She decides to visit Guernsey in person and meets the members of the society, including Dawsey, Isola, Eben, and Amelia. She also learns about the society's founder, Elizabeth McKenna, who was taken away by the Germans and never returned.
As Juliet spends more time on Guernsey, she finds herself falling in love with the island and its people. She also learns about the sacrifices that the islanders made during the war and the impact that it had on their lives. Meanwhile, she must also decide whether to return to her previous life in London or stay on Guernsey with Dawsey and the society.
The Characters
The novel features a cast of characters who are all members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. They include:
- Juliet Ashton - a writer searching for her next subject
- Dawsey Adams - a farmer and member of the society who corresponds with Juliet
- Isola Pribby - a spinster who is known for her eccentricity
- Eben Ramsey - an elderly gentleman who is a member of the society
- Amelia Maugery - a woman who lost her husband and son during the war
- Elizabeth McKenna - the founder of the society who was taken away by the Germans
The Setting
The novel is set on the island of Guernsey in the aftermath of World War II. Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, located between England and France. During the war, the island was occupied by the Germans and the residents faced many hardships. The novel explores the impact of the war on the island and its people, as well as the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
The Themes
The novel explores a number of themes, including:
- Friendship - the novel shows the power of friendship and the bonds that can be formed between people in difficult circumstances.
- Love - the novel explores different types of love, including romantic love, familial love, and the love between friends.
- The impact of war - the novel shows the devastating impact that war can have on individuals and communities.
- The power of literature - the novel celebrates the power of literature to bring people together and provide solace in difficult times.
The Reception
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Novel was a commercial and critical success. It spent over a year on the New York Times Bestseller list and has been translated into numerous languages. The novel has also been adapted into a film, which was released in 2018 and starred Lily James and Michiel Huisman. The novel has won several awards, including the 2009 Indies Choice Book Award for Best Indie Buzz Book.
The Conclusion
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society Novel is a heartwarming and poignant novel that celebrates the power of friendship, love, and literature. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Guernsey, the novel explores the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that can be formed between people in difficult circumstances. The novel has been widely praised for its beautifully drawn characters, its evocative setting, and its uplifting message of hope and redemption.