The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer

Mary Ann Shaffer wrote The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society when she was a retired bookseller and librarian, in her seventies.  She died in 2008, just before her book was published.

Disappointing to know there won't be any other books from Mary Ann Shaffer as this was a great read.  Set in 1946, the story follows writer Juliet Ashton who is struggling with inspiration for her next book.  She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and before long the rest of the members write to Juliet.  As letters go back and forth the members of the Society tell Juliet the stories of their lives during the German occupation of the island.  Juliet is so fascinated by their stories, that she travels to the island the meet them and of course her life is turned upsidedown.

Because the book was written as a series of letters it makes it a very easy read.  I didn't know the history of the German occupation of Guernsey Island so of course a google search soon gave me a bit more of an insight and showed me how accurate a lot of details in the book were.  Definitely recommend this book. 

Denise Law

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