Thursday 31 January 2013

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society




I stumbled over this neat little book, The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society, quite by accident – and found a little gem.  As the title suggests the book is set in Guernsey during WWII.  The book was published in 2008.

It was written by Mary Anne Shaffer and her niece Annie Barrows who did the final edit as a result of Schaffer being extremely ill.

It is a book in letter format, which doesn't always work.  But I liked this one.  It is a quick read with a lot of humor in the darker setting of the German occupation of Guernsey. It has been made into a film but I haven't seen it so don't know if it is any good.

Be warned, if you read the book, you will want to go to Guernsey. I haven't managed it yet but hope to one day.

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15 comments:

  1. Yes I enjoyed it too. Never been to Guernsey, but had great trip to nearby Jersey a few years back!

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  2. This has been on my list for quite some time. Must take a look and see where my copy is lurking.

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  3. I read this a couple years ago. Wonderful if you like this you'll love, "Island at War". British TV series. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_at_War

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  4. I read this book a few years ago and thought it was wonderful! So glad you are enjoying it.

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  5. Lovely book. They are making a film based on it. Kenneth Branagh.

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  6. I really enjoyed this too. Glad to hear about the film...I also love Kenneth Branagh! And yes...now I want to go to Guernsey.

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  7. We read this book in our book club and everybody loved it. And it's true, we all wanted to go to Guernsey. Looking forward to the movie, I love Kenneth Branagh, I'm sure it's a good movie.
    If you are interested in what our book club thought, here is my review: http://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/shaffer-mary-ann-barrows-annie-guernsey.html

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  8. I thought this book was charming and did a great job balancing the light and the dark aspects of war. I can't wait to see the movie!

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  9. This is a book I also love very much. Then, my copy comes from a very special place, so it is linked to very good memories of a special journey. Looking forward to Kenneth Branagh's film!

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  10. I really like the time period. I am glad you pointed out it's in letter form but it works for this one. Sounds good!

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  11. I really liked this book. THANKS for the reminder.

    I am in that list as #13.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Entry

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  12. I loved this book! Great writing and creative way of telling the story. Thanks for sharing!
    Rebecca @ The Key to the Gate

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  13. One of my all time favourite books.

    Mary Ann Shaffer been a writer for many years and her friends convinced her to try to get published, she knew that the book was to be published but died and did not get to see it's success.

    I did not even know Guernsey had been occupied during WW2 until I found this novel.

    Great choice

    carol

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  14. I really liked this book. I learned so much about an aspect of WWII that was completely new to me.

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  15. I liked this one too. I like that era and this was all written.

    Right now I am having my morning coffee and it's nighttime for you. So cool we can talk and exchange ideas with oceans separating us.

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