The Literary Society Of The Potato Peel Pie
Introduction
The Literary Society of the Potato Peel Pie is a novel written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It is set in the aftermath of World War II in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel. The novel is about the islanders who formed a literary society and how literature helped them cope with the war's aftermath. The book was published in 2008 and became a bestseller. In 2018, a movie adaptation of the book was released on Netflix.
The Society's Formation
The idea of forming a literary society came when a group of islanders got caught breaking the curfew imposed by the Germans during the occupation. To avoid getting into trouble, they told the Germans that they were returning from a literary society meeting. The idea intrigued them, and they decided to form a literary society. The society's first meeting was held in the home of Dawsey Adams, one of the members.
The Members
The society's members were a diverse group of people. There was Dawsey Adams, a farmer who found a book by Charles Lamb in a used bookshop and wrote to its previous owner, Juliet Ashton. Juliet, a writer, was intrigued by the story and started corresponding with Dawsey and other members of the society. Isola Pribby was another member who had a gift for herbal remedies. Eben Ramsey was a recluse who lived in a lighthouse, and Elizabeth McKenna was a wealthy woman who lost her family during the war.
The Books
The society's members read different books and discussed them in their meetings. They read classics by Jane Austen, Charles Lamb, and Emily Bronte. They also read contemporary books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. The members found solace in literature and used it to escape their reality.
The Potato Peel Pie
The society's name came from a dish they had to create when they were caught with a pig that they were not allowed to have during the occupation. They made a pie with potatoes and the peelings, and it became a tradition in their meetings. The pie was symbolic of their resourcefulness and resilience during the war.
The War's Aftermath
The novel explores the effects of war on the islanders. They lost loved ones, and their homes and livelihoods were destroyed during the occupation. The society offered them a way to heal and connect with each other. The members found comfort in literature and formed lasting friendships.
The Movie Adaptation
In 2018, a movie adaptation of the book was released on Netflix. The movie starred Lily James as Juliet Ashton and Michiel Huisman as Dawsey Adams. The movie received mixed reviews, but it introduced the story to a wider audience.
Conclusion
The Literary Society of the Potato Peel Pie is a heartwarming novel about the power of literature and human connection. The society's members found hope and healing in their love for books and each other. The book and movie adaptation are a testament to the enduring appeal of the story and its message.