Letters and Love: A Review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, is a story about how a letter from a stranger changes a woman’s life. This unexpected letter sends her on a journey of discovery that explores the power of books, the experience of survival, friendship, love, and loss.
A War-Wearied Journalist in Post-WWII Britain
In 1946 England, Juliet Ashton, a journalist worn out by the war, is traveling the country promoting her collection of lighthearted essays written during the conflict. She’s on the lookout for a new, more meaningful writing project. Out of the blue, she gets a letter from Dawsey Adams, a man she doesn’t know who has come across a book that once belonged to her. Dawsey lives on the Channel Island of Guernsey, which was cut off from Great Britain and under German occupation for five years during the war, leaving the island without any bookstores. He asks for her help in finding a bookseller in London.
Juliet becomes intrigued and starts exchanging letters with Dawsey and other islanders. She learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club that was formed on a whim during the German occupation by a woman named Elizabeth. Through these letters, Juliet uncovers many poignant stories and feels compelled to visit Guernsey to explore more for a potential book.
An Epistolary Novel
The novel is unique because it’s told entirely through letters, telegrams, notes, and diary entries. This format might seem a bit unusual at first, but it quickly becomes engaging as you piece together the story from various perspectives. Through these writings, you gain insight into the harsh conditions during the German occupation and the tragic fates of those who resisted. This format also gradually builds a slow-burn romance as Juliet navigates her relationships.
A Collaborative Authorship
The creation of this book is itself a touching story. Mary Ann Shaffer, who loved storytelling, started many writing projects but never finished one until this book. After securing a publisher, she became too ill to complete the revisions and asked her niece, Annie Barrows, to finish it for her. Mary Ann Shaffer passed away before the book was published, but Annie’s dedication brought her aunt’s vision to life, emphasizing the book’s themes of resilience and finding joy despite hardships.
A Beautiful Book
What came out of this touching backstory is a testament to the enduring nature of storytelling. Annie Barrows wove together her aunt’s work with great love, reflecting the book’s message about carrying on and finding daily joys despite life’s challenges.
Adaptation Recommendation
A movie adaptation of the book is in the works, featuring Lily James, Jessica Brown Findlay, Matthew Goode, Michiel Huisman, and Glen Powell. It’s an exciting development for fans to look forward to.
Content Note
The book contains no graphic content, though it does recount the hardships under Nazi occupation and includes a story from a concentration camp. There’s no swearing either.
When was the last time you wrote a letter? Who in your life would love to receive a handwritten note of affection?
