A review by carireadsbooksandtarot
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows, Mary Ann Shaffer

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 
It took me a long time to pick up this book because I thought it would be a sappy historic romance. (This opinion was largely based on the movie tie in cover). But having recently read The Jane Austen Society, 84 Charing Cross Road, and Bloomsbury Girls, it was recommended as a similar title. The recommendation was apt. 
            This is a charming epistolary novel following Juliet, an author, who finds herself drawn into the story of a group of channel islanders who survived German occupation. She begins to exchange letters with the members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, an eclectic group who bonded over literature and helped one another through the misery of the occupation. Juliet becomes so enthralled with their stories that she decides to travel to Guernsey in order to write about this fascinating and diverse group of people. 
            Shaffer and Barrows created a beautiful tale of sorrow and humor, resilience and love. There is a romance but don’t let that dissuade you, this is a gem of a book about found family. 
            I’m not a big fan of epistolary novels as I feel like it takes a lot of brain power to keep everyone straight and remember who is writing to who with each letter. Still, this was a delightful read and I think I will check out the movie next. How can I resist a movie with so many stars from Downton Abbey? 
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