The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Comforting Book Club Pick
After enjoying the timeless classic “Enchanted April” for March and April, The Silver Petticoat Book Club has chosen a modern historical fiction romance for our next read: “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” This epistolary novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is the perfect pick for May and June 2022. It’s a comforting book that’s loved by book enthusiasts everywhere.
“Guernsey” has always been one of our all-time favorites, and we’re excited to read it with you.
About the Book
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is a heartwarming read that blends elements of Jane Austen’s storytelling with a poignant historical backdrop. Despite the sadness intertwined in the story, it offers a therapeutic experience. Sarah Addison Allen aptly describes the book as one meant for its readers, making it something everyone should read. This New York Times Bestseller, published by Dial Press in July 2008, has been translated into 38 languages, a testament to its widespread acclaim.
In 2018, the book was adapted into a wonderful Netflix film starring Lily James, Michiel Huisman, and Jessica Brown Findlay. Though we believe the book is better, the film retains much of its magic.
Amber from The Silver Petticoat discussed the film adaptation with Guernsey Travel a few years ago and shared her excitement. She compared her anticipation for seeing Guernsey on screen to her excitement for L.M. Montgomery’s Avonlea from “Anne of Green Gables.” The novel’s success and storytelling magic set high expectations for its film adaptation, which thankfully were met.
Whether you’re diving into “Guernsey” for the first time or rereading it, we hope you enjoy discovering the charm and emotional depth of the story.
Official Synopsis
Set in January 1946, the novel follows writer Juliet Ashton as she searches for her next book subject in post-World War II London. She receives an unexpected letter from a man on the island of Guernsey, sparking an enriching correspondence that draws her into the world of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This group, formed as an alibi during the German occupation, includes a delightful array of characters, from pig farmers to literature lovers. Through their letters, Juliet learns about their lives, their love for books, and the effects of the war on their island, leading her to visit Guernsey and discover life-changing connections.
The novel is crafted with warmth and humor, celebrating the written word and unexpected friendships.
Join The Silver Petticoat Book Club
If you’re new to The Silver Petticoat Book Club, welcome! We focus on sweet, smart, and Austenesque books with romance in them. Every two months, we select a new book, alternating between modern and classic picks. For July 2022, we’ll dive into a classic book.
Genres we enjoy include:
– Austenesque
– Classic Literature
– Clean & Wholesome Romance
– Fairy Tales
– Fantasy
– Gothic Romance
– Historical Fiction
– Historical Romance
– Literary Fiction
– Paranormal Romance
– Romance
– Romantic Mystery/Suspense
– Rom-Com
– Women’s Fiction
– YA Fiction (typically fantasy, paranormal, romance, or historical)
We avoid explicit books, excessive profanity, or graphic violence. Our chosen books usually range from mild to moderate in intensity.
How Our Online Book Club Works
Towards the end of every second month, we discuss the book on Facebook, Goodreads, and a bit on Instagram. You’re welcome to join in! We also provide free printable discussion questions for you to use with your friends or family at your convenience.
Once we announce the new book, find a copy by buying it, borrowing it, or checking it out from the library, and start reading. We allow about two months for completion to accommodate readers’ schedules.
Stay updated by following The Silver Petticoat Review and subscribing to our newsletter. You can also join in the discussions using the hashtag TheSilverPetticoatBookClub.
We’d love to hear if you’ll be reading “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” with us. Have you read it before? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Need more book recommendations? Check out our romance archives for a collection sorted by genre.
