The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - A Review

It's official, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows deserves all the hype it has received. It is a superb novel, with a gripping, fascinating storyline. 

January 1946, writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. 

This novel was absolutely breathtaking. Taking place right after World War Two, the reader is taken on an interesting journey right along with Juliet Ashton, as she learns more about the charming island of Guernsey, the reason behind the formation of the Society, and falls in love with its inhabitants, all while a mystery unfolds. The book is composed entirely of letters and correspondence between the characters, which is such a charming way to form a novel. I rather like it.

Though all rules of literature point to Juliet being the main character, it is really the character of Elizabeth that seems to be the connecting thread throughout the book. I will not give any spoilers away, but I will say that there are a few twists and turns you won't see coming. I felt great emotion when we learned something important about one character in particular. The story is enchanting, fascinating, and hooks you in immediately. The characters are unique, interesting, and earthy. This novel deserves all the raves and hype it has received and I would highly recommend it. It's one of the best books I've read in years!

I give it a 9/10.