“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows tells the story of a woman and author who gets introduced to a group of citizens living on the formerly German-occupied Channel Islands off the coast of England. The book is set in January 1946, just months after the end of the second world war, and centers on the author’s interest in learning more about life under the Nazi regime in hopes that it will lead to her next book subject.
In keeping with the era when people wrote letters and sent telegrams as their primary form of communication, this book is told entirely in a letter-writing style, from one character to another, and complete with name, address and date for each entry. While it seems that this style of writing could limit the storytelling capacity of the author, it does not. Instead, you come away with a rich array of descriptions, perspectives and plot development — I have rarely read a book with characters that were more memorable, loveable and complex.
This well-rounded book is as fun, light-hearted, and smart as it is deep, sorrowful and engaging. While the story reveals some profoundly disturbing facts about living in an occupied state, it remains balanced by offering laughter, inspiration and hope, as well as lessons about courage and character. Best of all, this is a fun book to read, despite a few heartstrings being pulled.
This book gets a rating of 3.
Rating Scale
1. Sits on your bedside table gathering dust
2. Would read if there is nothing better to do
3. Enjoyable read when there’s time
4. Enjoyable read and making time to read
5. Would miss your favorite TV program to read
• Avid reader Dina Parker lives in North Bend. She started reading for enjoyment and learning, but is now building a library for her 1-year-old daughter Mia. She reads books to see what lessons she can pass on to Mia. Contact Dina at dinaparker@centurytel.net. You can win the reviewer’s book copy. Be the first to call Phoenix Used Books in North Bend at (425) 888-0535, and mention the title of the book.
