James’ strong supporting cast members also deliver memorable turns in this touching and very entertaining offering. I have to admit falling for every one of the colorful characters, but especially the thoughtful pig farmer Dawsey Adams, played by Michiel Huisman. Fortunately, James and Huisman project a sweet chemistry with each other on screen.  

Director Mike Newell and his casting director Susie Figgis brought together a splendid cast that also includes Tom Courtenay, Penelope Wilton, Katherine Parkinson, Jessica Brown Findlay, Matthew Good, Glen Powell and Kit Connor.        

After World War II on Guernsey,

a writer found a mystery.

To solve it she faced causing pain,

losing friends, and nothing to gain.

Why was this unique book club formed?

Don’t write about it she was warned.

A darling child and missing mom,

are keys to this potential bomb.

A mouthful is the title here.

But this film makes you want to cheer.

History, mystery and romance

come together like a fine dance.

Surprises and a lovely man

help our writer make a good plan.

The story and acting are first-rate.

So see it now. You shouldn’t wait!

Based on the book of the same name by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, this movie is a superb period piece emphasizing love, friendship, compassion and loyalty. Although not having read the book, I suspect that Don Roos, Kevin Hood and Thomas Bezucha turned in an excellent adapted screenplay. Kudos also to Zac Nicholson for the beautiful cinematography and Charlotte Walter for those authentic costumes, which helped me feel like I was right there in most of the scenes.

Frankly, I didn’t want this special film to end.  

Our Friday night book club became a refuge to us. A private freedom to feel the world growing darker all around you, but you only need a candle to see new worlds unfold. That is what we found in our society. – Dawsey Adams

(Released by Netflix; rated TV-MA)