Monday, May 26, 2008

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows


In 1946, Juliet Ashton is on a book tour when she realizes that her heart really isn't in the new book she's writing. When she gets a letter from Dawsey Adams, a man who lives on the British island of Guernsey, telling her that he has in his possession a book she once owned and how much he loves it, it sets in motion a life-changing adventure for her. Juliet and Dawsey start up a correspondence and she begins to learn all about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which was started to protect its members (who were illegally roasting a pig) from the Germans who occupied the island during World War II. Juliet becomes so enchanted with the inhabitants of Guernsey that she corresponds not only with Dawsey, but Society members Isola, Amelia and Eben, as well. She also learns all about life under the Nazis. The novel is at times humorous, other times heartbreaking. A charming gem of a book, one to treasure and recommend to friends. Two other novels set in England during World War II that have a similar feel are Our Yanks by Margaret Mayhew and Land Girls by Angela Huth. It will be published in July.

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