It’s 1946 and author Juliet Ashton can’t think what to write next. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey – by chance, he’s acquired a book that once belonged to her – and, spurred on by their mutual love of reading, they begin a correspondence. When Dawsey reveals that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, her curiosity is piqued and it’s not long before she begins to hear from other members. As letters fly back and forth with stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation, Juliet soon realizes that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name.

As I do with many books, I picked this one up without knowing anything about it. War stories are hard for me; I can’t usually separate the fact from the fiction, so I generally avoid them. I didn’t know this was a post-World War II story, though, so I picked it up.

It took a few “chapters” to get into the story because there are just so many characters, but once I figured everyone out it was easy to slip into the story. It was as enjoyable as any story can be that discusses the horrors of concentration camps and bombings; it’s not overly descriptive, though, so it was easier to read than some. Honestly, I really enjoyed the book.

SPOILER ALERT

Because it’s not really written as a book (it’s a collection of letters), I did miss watching Dawsey and Juliette fall in love. Especially because you don’t get to see the first kiss! I did love the proposal though.

Now I want to watch the movie, but I’m afraid it’ll only disappoint me. 🙂 Maybe I’ll give it a few months before I try it.

Rated PG/PG-13: some swearing (no f-bombs) and thematic elements. Get your copy here!