My mom recommended this book to me, and I am so thankful, because I adored it. "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is one of those books that makes you feel for each character so greatly - you feel invested. It's cleverly co-written by an aunt and niece duo, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Shaffer and Barrows craft a story line comprised fully of letters and correspondences amongst the characters. It makes for such an enjoyable read and made me nostalgic for something I never really knew in my lifetime - actual news worthy letters!
I learned so much from this book; the history of Guernsey during WWII is fascinating. The authors writing captures small town island life where each character is full of spirit and often times a little bit quirky, only making them all the more endearing. When the main character, Juliet travels to Guernsey from London, the big-city girl falls in love with the island charm. Once Juliet arrives in Guernsey she recounts the experience to her friend and publisher via letter, of course. She writes, "When we drew right alongside the pier, I could see the faces of the people waiting - and then there was no going back. I knew them by their letters. There was Isola in a mad hat and purple shawl pinned with a glittering brooch. She was smiling fixedly in the wrong direction and I loved her instantly." Juliet transforms throughout the novel and becomes who she is meant to be - a true heroine.
After I read this book, I learned that it will be made into a movie, I believe it will be released this fall with Kate Winslet playing the lead. I'm excited to see the cinematic version. If you haven't read this poignant book yet, be sure to before you see the movie! Just writing about this book makes me want to read it again - it's that good.
