“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This 50th column is a landmark for our indomitable book reviewer Jen Mann. We’re delighted to announce that she will be starting a new venture for us soon, but don’t worry, she’ll still continue with her book reviews. More on this to follow, but in the meantime, enjoy this week’s review of ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

I wish I were packing in lieu of writing this review. Packing for Guernsey. How I love that part of the world and thrilled to the familiarity.

The title may be long and odd but the book is not long enough. I would still be happily ensconced in Guernsey with the marvelously likable cast of characters.

I read another book this week, The Emperor’s Children* that did not have one honorable, amusing or otherwise engaging character.

In contrast, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society barely had any I did not love. It was the complete opposite. Every, almost every, member of the story is someone you would love to know. They are strong, compassionate, amusing and honorable.

Set in the aftermath of World War II, an authoress from London finds herself drawn to the story of Guernsey’s German occupation and how the islanders stayed strong. Despite the horrors of war, they carried on with their lives. They formed a Literary group to maintain morale and keep their first and only pig roast a secret. They made do with Potato Peel Pie afterwards, but kept reading.

The books and their friendships kept them from the edge of grief. As the London authoress, Juliet Aston, comes to know the islanders, they form close friendships. We see their lives through letters. Letters to one another are a comforting form of communications and we view the atrocities of the concentration camps through others’ eyes. We see the pain of a close knit island community turned on end.

The pain of the war is evident in both the islanders and the German soldiers, but the faith in humanity keeps the book from extreme melancholy. The fact that these people can get up and keep getting up; that they do not lose hope in the human condition is a testament in itself. The further fact that there is humor and love abundant in their lives gives hope to us all.

Despite the recounting of a grim scenario, the book is just wonderful. From the ravages of war grow new lives and the island is awash in well-being. There is laughter and good-will in spades and I thoroughly enjoyed being with these people. Juliet finds her life vastly improved by their proximity and the ending is just what you hope.

* This book by Claire Mussud was a New York Times Best Book of the Year. Just goes to show you, don’t believe everything you hear about a book … unless it’s from me … then it’s gospel.