The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Product Details | Similar Products | Customer Reviews | Author: Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows List Price: £12.99 Our Price: £6.69 You Save: £6.30 (48%) Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours  |
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 | Product Details: Hardcover 256 pages Release Date: 04 August 2008 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC ISBN: 0747589194 Rating:   Sales Rank: 346 | | Look for similar books by subject:
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| | Customer Reviews: Quirky, warm and humorous - if lacking in depth (21 November 2008)"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is the first and final novel to be written by American writer Mary Ann Shaffer before her death in February 2008. Written in the form of a series of letters between the main characters, it is set in 1946 and concerns writer Juliet Ashton, searching both for love, and for a subject for her next book. When she receives a letter from a certain Dawsey Adams from the island of Guernsey, she quickly develops an interest in his story of life under German occupation during the war, and in the secret Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society formed by the islanders. When the market abounds with long works comprising hundreds of pages, it is refreshing to read a novel so compact and able to be taken in small chunks. In fact for much of the novel the epistolary format works well; only near the end, as events gather pace, does it begin to feel slightly contrived. Surprisingly given this format, the reader becomes quickly drawn in to the story within the first few pages, and the pace (at least for the first half of the book) is extremely well-handled. Unfortunately in the second half of the book, when Juliet herself travels to Guernsey, the pace does begin to slow. It is easy to be confused by the multiplying number of characters - especially as their writing voices are often difficult to distinguish from one another. In particular it is hard to visualise Dawsey Adams or understand his character, which is unfortunate given that his role in the book is fairly central. Where the book really struggles, however, is in conveying the experience of those living in a country under occupation. Too much attention is devoted to the members of the Society in 1946, their everyday lives and their love of books - a love which Juliet shares. By contrast, too little is said about the past, and about the effect of the occupation upon the residents of Guernsey. Although their optimism and resilience under such circumstances is highlighted, it is rarely tempered by any reflection on the hardships and tragedies which they must have suffered. It is sometimes difficult to feel that the characters have indeed experienced such dark times, and so recently in their past. To be sure, the novel does contain some enlightening facts about the occupation - demonstrating the author's research - but sadly these are too few. As a result the book's tone remains a little too saccharine. Nevertheless, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a quirky, warm and humorous book with a great deal to recommend it. Indeed as a story of humanity, friendship and compassion it works very well. But for readers looking for insight into life under Nazi occupation, it remains slightly lacking. Fascinating insight into WW2 Guernsey (20 November 2008)An enthralling and fun epistolary book - after perhaps a slow start, it was gripping and fascinating - kept the pages turning but maintained a real sense of charm. Historical novels as they should be. The Most Heart-Warming New Fiction Book I've Read in 2008 (07 November 2008)The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will appeal to anyone who loves to read about courage, integrity, kindness, love, literature, and happiness. Written as a series of letters among the characters, the book will also charm those who enjoy getting to know people through what they reveal in writing. It would be easy to spoil this gem so I'll reveal as little as possible. In the first letter dated 8th January 1946, author Juliet Ashton writes to her publisher, Sidney Stark, about the results of her book tour for Izzy Bickerstaff goes to War and her new book, English Foibles. It turns out she's tired of being a light-hearted journalist. From there, we trail Juliet as she eventually finds her subject through an unexpected letter from a Guernsey farmer, Dawsey Adams, who owns an old book of hers, Selected Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb, which had her name and former address written inside the front cover. Like Alice when she went down the rabbit hole, that letter opens up a whole new world . . . and set of experiences . . . relating to the English Channel island of Guernsey which was occupied by German forces during World War II. Unlike literary letters (say of Virginia Woolf), these letters are more often chatty and informative than witty. But each letter opens the door into the hearts and minds of the characters in deeper ways than can occur in the normal narrative of a novel. You will feel like you are solving a mystery at times. You'll even get to know characters quite well that don't write any letters. I found myself torn between wanting to race to the end . . . and wanting to savor the pleasure of each letter. The latter instinct prevailed. The letters are short, and you could read most of them in two minutes or less. Even if you are frequently interrupted, you will get right back into the story. There's a clear possibility of a sequel here. I look forward to it! I think the most appropriate word is 'Charming'! (31 October 2008)Julia Ashton is a spirited and single-minded woman living in London in 1946. She is a writer struggling to find the subject matter for her next book, when she receives a letter unexpectedly; the letter is from Dawsey Adams. Dawsey lives on Guernsey and has what was Julia's copy of Charles Lamb's letters. As it is difficult to find books on the island, he asks Julia if she could send him more of Charles Lamb's works and they begin a correspondence. As Julia finds out more about Dawsey and his membership of `The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and how it came into being, she begins to write to other members of the group and build a picture of what it was like on Guernsey during the German Occupation. I was a little hesitant about reading this book, as I usually avoid reading about the war. Having said that as the story is told through letters, it is remarkably easy to read and the characters are drawn beautifully. I was particularly taken with Isola Pribby, who believes that; `Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.'! I would heartily recommend this book; a light read that still has depth. Brilliant! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (22 October 2008)This is a lovely little book made up of a series of letters between Juliet, (the central character) and members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, based in Guernsey, who have experienced the island's Occupation by the Germans. Particularly interesting if, like me, you are from the Channel Islands but have never really been told much about this time. This book is perfect for a weekend or holiday read. The only thing I would say is that there are quite a few characters mentioned and it can be easy to forget who is who if you haven't picked up the book for a few days. I only wish I had read this book over a few days or even a few hours and not over 3 weeks, as I think I would have enjoyed it more. | |
