One of my author friends, Dennis Batchelder, author of Soul Identity, mentioned The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - that he was reading it and thought it would be a great read for others. This is like where do chefs like to go out to eat on their days off - you look to see where they go so you too can experience the very best.
And the best is this sweet book. Yes, it is different - but it is something I as a fledgling writer would love to use as inspiration.
This book not only entertains with a young writer in London, post WWII, who has found success with her observations, being contacted by a gentleman in Guernsey, but a history lesson, so subtle and exquisite, it tells us of the German occupation in Guernsey - I for one, didn't know that the Germans were that close to mainland UK - that is one more frightening fact, that is not known by many.
Juliet Ashton, gets a letter from Dawsey Adams in Guernsey. He has an old book of hers and wants to ask for information on an author, and starts to tell her about the Literary Society his friends have formed.
So starts a lovely and touching correspondence between Juliet, Dawsey, and all his friends, and the correspondence from Juliet and her publishing friends.
Yes, it is a book of letters and telegrams - and it envelopes you in its web and you feel you are part of the Literary Society yourself.
This is a book of the love of the written word, from ordinary folks just trying to survive in a horrible time, and who, through their bond, triumph.
It is a different book, filled with delightful characters and situations, and one you will love as much as I.
ellen george
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, ISBN 978-0-385-34099-1, The Dial Press, review by ellen george
