The Guernsey Book Club And Potato Peel Pie
The Guernsey Book Club and Potato Peel Pie is a novel written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows in 2008. The novel is set in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, and tells the story of a book club formed during the German occupation of Guernsey during World War II.
The Plot
The story begins with the introduction of Juliet Ashton, a writer who is looking for inspiration for her next book. She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, asking for some information about a book. Juliet becomes intrigued by the name of the society and decides to write to its members to learn more about them.
Through her correspondence, Juliet learns that the society was formed during the German occupation of Guernsey as a way for its members to escape the horrors of war. The society members would gather together to discuss books and share stories, and eventually, they began to form a close bond.
Juliet becomes fascinated by the stories of the society members and decides to visit Guernsey to learn more about them. She meets the members of the society and begins to learn more about their lives during the war.
As Juliet spends more time in Guernsey, she begins to fall in love with the island and its people. She also learns about the darker side of the occupation and the sacrifices that were made by the people of Guernsey during that time.
The Characters
The Guernsey Book Club and Potato Peel Pie is populated with a wide range of characters, each with their own unique story to tell. Some of the main characters include:
- Juliet Ashton - A writer who becomes intrigued by the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
- Dawsey Adams - A member of the society who contacts Juliet and becomes her primary correspondent.
- Elizabeth McKenna - A member of the society who was arrested during the occupation for breaking curfew.
- Amelia Maugery - A member of the society who was arrested during the occupation for helping a slave laborer escape.
- Isola Pribby - A member of the society who is known for her eccentricities.
The Themes
The Guernsey Book Club and Potato Peel Pie explores a number of themes, including:
- Friendship - The novel explores the bonds that are formed between the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
- Survival - The novel examines how the people of Guernsey survived during the German occupation.
- Love - The novel includes a number of romantic relationships, including Juliet's relationship with Dawsey and Elizabeth's relationship with Christian Hellman.
- Community - The novel examines the importance of community and how it can help people to survive even in the darkest of times.
The Adaptation
In 2018, The Guernsey Book Club and Potato Peel Pie was adapted into a film directed by Mike Newell. The film starred Lily James as Juliet Ashton and featured a cast of well-known actors, including Michiel Huisman, Tom Courtenay, and Penelope Wilton.
The film received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its performances, cinematography, and faithfulness to the novel.
Conclusion
The Guernsey Book Club and Potato Peel Pie is a heartwarming novel that explores the power of literature and the bonds that can be formed between people during even the darkest of times. Its characters are engaging and its themes are thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.