The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Book Review

Posted By

Maria Petruccelli

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Genre: Historical Drama / Wartime Character Drama/ Epistolary Drama
Length: 290 pages (or 8h 6m audiobook)
Setting: Guernsey in the Channel Islands between England and France, primarily in 1946.

A story told through letters with a simple question about a book club that leads to deeper discoveries.

Main Characters

Juliet Ashton: A witty London writer seeking inspiration.

Dawsey Adams: A quiet Guernsey farmer whose letter begins the story.

Elizabeth McKenna: The brave, absent heroine whose story is central.

Isola, Amelia, Eben: The eccentric ensemble, a lovable and quirky group.

Plot Summary

The story is told through letters that Juliet Ashton writes to people on Guernsey Island, which was occupied by the Germans during WWII. A simple question about a book club leads to deeper discoveries about the islanders’ strength and how their lives were changed by the war. Juliet becomes close to them and is drawn into their struggles and healing.

Central Conflict

The central conflict in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is the struggle of islanders to maintain their humanity, community, and survival against the 5-year German occupation during WWII.

The novel is charming and heartfelt, and despite the wartime backdrop, the story feels hopeful and deeply human.