Don’t let the slightly confusing and somewhat deterring, yet entirely fitting title scare you. Instead, be prepared to fall in love with Guernsey and the people of the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
A coworker of mine texted me this summer while I was on a holiday visiting Vancouver Island. She said, “I’m bugging you because I've just read the best book I have ever read in my entire life. I need to know if you've read it and if you haven’t you have to stop whatever you are doing and go get it”. She went on to describe it as “a book for people who love books”. I ask you, after such a glowing recommendation how do you not stop what you are doing and go buy this book? So, with my boyfriend reluctantly in tow, I headed to a bookstore.
The book is written in the the form of letters. It certainly makes me wish society had not lost the art of letter writing. There is something so special about someone taking the time to sit and write down their thoughts and feelings. This technique allowed for slow blooming romance and characters in different parts of the world to remain major players in the same progressing storyline. I think it is part of what makes this book so unique and heartfelt.
The odd and charming characters make you feel like walking into a room full of long lost friends. Each with their own equally compelling stories and quirks, it is easy to become attached and feel the sense of community in Guernsey and Literary Society. There is no shortage of love here.
Juliet, whom the story follows is the kind of friend everyone wants to have. She is witty, kind, and unpredictable. Despite the hardships she has endured (as all good heroines have), she is such a strong and vibrant character. Of all the letters, hers were always my favourites.
Despite all of this, I think what drew me in most was theme of books. At its core, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is really a book for people who love reading. There are lots of little gems in there for those who know and love literature.
I do not want to give too much away. I want to leave all the best bits for you to discover yourself. All I can say is: if you haven't read it yet..... STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AND GO GET IT.
And please whatever you do, read the book first! (Just in case the film butchers it).
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
P.S. Vancouver Island is beautiful and if you haven’t been there, you should add it to your list. See photos below for persuasion purposes.
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