#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A NETFLIX FILM • A remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. “Treat yourself to this book, please—I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love “I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb. . . . As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever. Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways. Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society “A jewel . . . Poignant and keenly observed, Guernsey is a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends.”—People “A book-lover’s delight, an implicit and sometimes explicit paean to all things literary.”—Chicago Sun-Times “A sparkling epistolary novel radiating wit, lightly worn erudition and written with great assurance and aplomb.”—The Sunday Times (London) “Cooked perfectly à point: subtle and elegant in flavour, yet emotionally satisfying to the finish.”—The Times (London)
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"I am so glad i finally got around to reading this. A lovely story that covers some very dark history vividly while still managing to be light, affectionate and humorous. The style of the book, written in part as letters, offered excellent descriptions and insight into the characters, Guernsey and the islanders experience during and after the war. The characters in the literary society are wonderful and the romantic storyline is an added bonus. i loved this book."
— Lynn (4 out of 5 stars)
" I hope to find another book I like as well as I did this one. "
— Leah, 10/31/2018" One of the best books I've ever read! "
— Lillian, 2/16/2014" not crazy about this book. Found myself just scanning pages to finish. "
— Cindy, 2/13/2014" I enjoyed this book as a whole, but found it difficult to get into. Not a book you can read small bits at a time. "
— Stephanie, 2/6/2014" Reading this is like receiving a hug from a warm, comfy, gingerbread-scented grandma. I will come back from more, I am certain! "
— Elizabeth, 2/4/2014" I really liked the book! A friend at work loaned it to me and I read it, not certain whether or not I would like it. But when I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I loved the letters and didn't want them to end. "
— Gwyn, 1/31/2014" It took me a while to get into, and in the end it became all rather predictable. A sweet story, but not for me. "
— Emma, 1/30/2014" I liked the postcard style approach and the very British humor. Learned something about WWII occupation as a bonus. "
— Edie, 1/16/2014" It unfolds like a true friendship. "
— Ruth, 12/27/2013" Poignant and cheeky wrapped together. I loved the characters! "
— Christina, 12/10/2013" Was a little worried about the "letter" format of this book, but it actually worked really well once you figured out who everyone was. Adorable. Charming. Brilliant. "
— Emily, 12/5/2013" A real charmer. The book equivalent of warming comfort food. "
— Erica, 11/16/2013" A charming and heartwarming tale with a love of books and storytelling at its centre. "
— Lorraine, 11/2/2013" Insightful, charming and intelligent. A must-read! "
— Tanja, 11/2/2013" What a terrific book! Told as a series of letters, this story is about the very diverse people who live on one of the English Channel islands occupied by the Germans during WW II and how one person in particular affected so many different lives. "
— B, 10/25/2013" I loved this book! A truly great historical fiction with a touch of romance. I highly recommend it, the best book I've read, so far this year! "
— Britt, 6/10/2013" This was the perfect book for spring break - light, funny, compelling and interesting. I don't generally buy books until I have read them and decide they are worth a keeping-copy, and I think this will be one for that special shelf! "
— melody, 5/14/2013" Great read. Loved the style of the novel and the writers' wit. An interesting perspective from victims of the German Occupation. The Afterword was very interesting as well and how the book came to have two writers. "
— Darry, 4/21/2013" Loved this strangely titled book. Never judge a book by it's cover. . .or name. "
— Darby, 4/6/2013" I thought this would be the sort of twee, terribly precious novel that I hate but I was wrong. It's delightful. "
— Gossamer, 10/13/2012" Not normally my type of go-to book, but I read this one for my book club and it was absolutely precious. Now I'm dreaming of moving to Guernsey. "
— Holly, 10/13/2012" sweet novel. nothing earth shattering. most interesting to learn of german occupation of that area. "
— Gena, 8/4/2012" Loved this. It's one of those books that charm you as you read on. The letters to and from the main characters forming the structure of two love stories in the present and the past. "
— Sarah, 5/30/2012" WOnderful and unique story. Stays with me. The island has such boundaries and the war exacerbated them on many levels. "
— Martha, 5/24/2012" Difficult to start but I really enjoyed it. "
— Tillie, 3/29/2012" you have to wonder if this is a true story and just a yarn:) well written either way "
— Spring, 12/4/2011" A charming read which was both informative and well written. Would and have recommended it to a friend. "
— Nicky, 11/18/2011" I absolutely adored this book! The writing was so beautiful...so poetic...I didn't want it to end. I had this novel on my bookshelf for over a year and cannot believe I waited so long to read it. It is definitely one of my all time favorite novels. L-O-V-E!! "
— Susan, 8/2/2011" Loved this book!! Such a fun, easy & happy read! Didn't really know what to expect going in, but I loved it. It would make a fantastic movie. I found myself imagining the film in my head as I read it. A real treat! "
— Sheri, 6/15/2011" Love WWII historical fiction, but this was not my favorite. I liked it and it's a quick read, but not my favorite. "
— Carrie, 5/24/2011" It took me a little bit to get into the book, especially being written in letters, but once I did I loved the story - except for the swearing, it would have been even better. I love it when books have happy endings :-) "
— Bethany, 5/24/2011" This is my favorite book of all time. It was so refreshing and fun to read. I love to format of the story. "
— RoseAnna, 5/24/2011" Great, lively and I learned a lot about the German occupation of the Guernsey Island. "
— Jen, 5/24/2011" I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to see the story played out through only letters. I have read this style book before and really enjoy getting to know the characters through their own pen. <br/> <br/>I would recommend this book. <br/> <br/>Thanks Lynzee! "
— Bridgett, 5/23/2011" I falsely thought this would be a lighter read. Instead it is a close, thought provoking look at what went on during WWII. "
— Bethgentner, 5/23/2011" Wonderful Book!!!!! One of the best I read so far. This book is a series of letters written back and forth from a writer to a society formed during the German occupation of their island during World War II. You actually feel as though you were witnessing what happened through these letters. "
— Beth, 5/23/2011" Wasn't sure how I would like the letter form, but after a few pages I really enjoyed the different voices. <br/> "
— Kelley, 5/22/2011" Usually detest this format in story telling but I love this story "
— Harry, 5/22/2011" I loved this book! It drew me in, kept me interested, tugged at my heart, and taught me something. I have been reading lots of books lately, and this was one of the best. "
— MaryJo, 5/22/2011" This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. Heartbreakingly sad in places, but full of warmth and hope and humour. I loved it. ♥ "
— Josie, 5/22/2011" So, I started this last night about 10:00, and stopped at midnight because I don't want it to end...<br/><br/>It lasted 'til mid-afternoon and it was a good as everyone said it was. I LOVED it. I didn't want it to end, I want to move to Guernsey, I just loved it. "
— Marianne, 5/22/2011" You MUST read this book; so endearing, so poignant, such great characters. I blew through it in 4 hours. "
— Angie, 5/21/2011" I thought the plot was original and interesting and the characterizations seemed vivid. I didn't like that the characters would periodically take the Lord's name in vain. "
— Marva, 5/21/2011Mary Ann Shaffer (1934-2008) worked as an editor, librarian, and a bookshop worker.
Annie Barrows is the New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and the author of The Truth According to Us, and the Ivy + Bean chapter book series, among others. Her books have been nominated for many awards, including the Bluestem Award, the Mark Twain Award, the Virginia Readers’ Choice, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Kentucky Bluegrass Award.
Paul Boehmer is an American actor best known for his numerous appearances in the Star Trek universe, in addition to Frasier, Judging Amy, Guiding Light, and All My Children. He is a 1992 Masters of Fine Arts graduate of the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Delaware. As a narrator, Paul has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as an Audie Award.
John Lee is the winner of numerous Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He has twice won acclaim as AudioFile’s Best Voice in Fiction & Classics. He also narrates video games, does voice-over work, and writes plays. He is an accomplished stage actor and has written and coproduced the feature films Breathing Hard and Forfeit. He played Alydon in the 1963–64 Doctor Who serial The Daleks.
Juliet Mills is a highly acclaimed actress. She won an Emmy Award for QB VII and a Tony nomination for her role in Five Finger Exercise, and was one of the stars of the daytime drama show Passions.
Paul Boehmer is an American actor best known for his numerous appearances in the Star Trek universe, in addition to Frasier, Judging Amy, Guiding Light, and All My Children. He is a 1992 Masters of Fine Arts graduate of the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Delaware. As a narrator, Paul has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as an Audie Award.
Rosalyn Landor is an English-born television, theater, and multiple-award-winning audiobook narrator. Her television credits include Love in a Cold Climate, Rumpole of the Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She has won numerous Audie awards and AudioFile magazine Earphones awards.
Susan Duerden is an actress and an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. Her reading of The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht earned her an AudioFile Best Voice Award and a Booklist Editors’ Choice Award. She has won ten AudioFile Earphones Awards. Here career spans film, television, theater, voice-overs, and animation. She has played critically acclaimed and award-winning theatrical roles on London’s West End and Off Broadway; acted in the features Lovewrecked and Flushed Away; and held a recurring role on ABC’s Lost.