The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
I listened to the audiobook in 2012 and I believe it was my very first English speaking audiobook ever. It was the beginning of my love for all things audiobooks. Two weeks ago, when I looked through my Popsugar Reading Challenge and saw that the book fits one of its categories, I decided to listen to it again, and afterwards I finally would watch the movie.
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It’s 1946 and author Juliet Ashton can’t think what to write next. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey – by chance, he’s acquired a book that once belonged to her – and, spurred on by their mutual love of reading, they begin a correspondence.
When Dawsey reveals that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, her curiosity is piqued and it’s not long before she begins to hear from other members. As letters fly back and forth with stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation, Juliet soon realizes that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
MY THOUGHTS
This book is darling!!! From the way it’s written, the characters, the setting – everything worked together. It made for a great feel good story that left me happy and smiling.
Although the story has some heavier topics, which WWII novel doesn’t have a darker and sadder side, the author did a marvelous job with keeping it uplifting.
Touching and moving at times, the letters with their individual voices made me chuckle and smile. Because the book is entirely written in letters, a full cast for the audiobook was the perfect choice. It’s my favorite kind of audiobook format. And being able to listen to it again, after so many years, was just perfect.
Thanks to books like this one, the ones that sneak up on me, my tbr is never ending, and the books I’m actually supposed to read, are being pushed off, and delayed in favor of others.
Now about the movie:
It was wonderful, honestly, very well done, although it didn’t follow the book faithfully. The overall story matched, but much was changed. Interestingly enough it didn’t bother me at all, it was just more recognizable since I watched the movie right after finishing the book.
Btw, no surprise here, but I fell in love with Dawsey Adams played by Michiel Huisman – OMG swoon alert!!!!
| last thoughts |
So, if you haven’t read or watched the movie – please do so. It’s a wonderful addition to anyone’s tbr and watch list. It’s not a very long novel, only 277 pages or 8 hrs and 6 mins. The movie is available on Netflix, and has some fantastic actors including Matthew Goode who I adore.
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR || GET THE BOOK
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Over the holidays I always catch up with my aunt and ask if she has any book recommendations and she started going on about a “Potato Peel” book and I thought she was crazy, so I pulled up Goodreads to try and find it. Sure enough it was this book (with the longest title 🙂 ) and I got it at the library and loved it! I tuned into the Netflix movie shortly after and also enjoyed, although you’re right it’s not exactly the same. It’s such a sweet story and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it even though it’s been out a while.
I thought the same about the title 😂 couldn’t have been any longer! But the book was such a wonderful story, and I adored the movie too. Both 👍🏼👍🏼 recommendations. And btw your aunt has great taste in books 😁
Thanks! Glad I looked beyond the title to find such a good book!
I still need to watch this movie. I really liked the book, but it’s been years since I read it so I don’t see the changes bugging me at all either. 😉
You will ADORE the movie. The feel of it is exactly as in the book, charming, British, nostalgic, and heartwarming.
On my lifetime favs list! The movie is well done too!
I agree, book and movie should be on anyone’s list. 😀