22nd May, 1946Stephens & Stark Ltd.
21 St. James’s Place
London S. W. 1
England
Dear Sidney,
There is so much to tell you. I have been on the island less than 20 hours, but needn’t introductions. Everyone looks as I pictured them through their letters and have been able to call them by their first names without err. Our new friend Dawsey, the Charles Lamb reader, actually favors the great writer. Oh, and the eccentric Isola, wore a glittering brooch, purple shawl, and mad hat worthy of any respectable witch. She jumped the gang plank and gave me the biggest hug!
Why, why, do I not listen to people? The crossing was a harrowing experience with seas high and boisterous. The mail boat, a mere cork bobbing to and fro in our English Channel, was rather uncomfortable. I can only guess to the lovely shade of green I must have presented the welcoming party. Remind me, when someone says take the ferry to heed, indeed.
The most amazing experience happened as we entered the harbor. The dull gray clouds and mist which seemed to follow me all the way from London lifted, and a ray of light shone on the cliffs of Guernsey. It was like God himself opened the door and welcomed me into the fold.
Thank you for this opportunity. I am sure the book will benefit greatly from the personal interviews this trip will allow. Already, the stories from my correspondence with islanders have added an intriguing air to the German Occupation of Guernsey during the war.
Thanks again and love,
Juliet
Juliet
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is not the suburban, wine-drinking bored housewives of other similarly titled books. The book, told through letters, begins with main character Juliet researching an article idea for The Times when a letter simultaneously arrives appropriate to the subject. As the article blossoms into a book, readers will fall in love with the characters and their island home.
Don't take my word for it! Read these fine reviews: A Book Lover Forever, Book Fan, CaribousMom, Lesley's Book Nook, My Random Acts of Reading, Reading Adventures, Stuck in a Book.
35 comments:
Oh, I loved, loved, loved this book. It reminded me somewhat of 84 Charing Cross Road. It's just absolutely charming in every sense of the word.
I read a review of this book in People of all places, and made a note to pick it up! Thanks for the reminder!
I loved this too!
I loved this book too. I have not put my review up yet. :)
Me too! I'll be hanging on to this one for a re-read when I need a really good book!
This is my book find of the year and I am boring everyone silly talking about it. Glad to see your review too!
My review is up:
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2008/09/guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie.html
Thank you, Brittanie!
This sounds like a very good book. The kind you read curled up on a comfy couch while it is raining.
You are so right, Marie! This is one of those books you can read on a rainy afternoon with tea and butter cookies. :)
I just offered this one up as a suggestion for my in person book club :)
I was thinking it might be a good book for discussion also, Corinne. :)
I definitely want to read this one!
Do, Holly! It is good! :)
Man, I'm going to be the last person to read this! I can't wait to read it :)
I look forward to your thoughts once you finally get to pick it up, Iliana! :)
This book is in my TBR pile and I can't wait to get to it.
Put it on the top, Bermuda Onion! :)
Got the pecans, thanks Maggie They are delicous!
Yay, TxMommy! Hope all is well and you have a great weekend! :)
Maggie
Overall I think I did like it. I will most definately keep reading your reviews. Thank you for the recommendation. I will look into it. :)
Brittanie - I'm currently reading Preston's Wild Trees, and am discussing The Ghost Map versus Preston's The Hot Zone for our OBCB list; thus, my suggestion. So far, Wild Trees (and I'm in chpt. 2) is less science and all story, but very engaging. It begins with 3 college kids traveling the California coast in search of a secluded Redwood grove. After parking and hiking in several yards they see a pristine forest. Two of the nuts climb a small Redwood and swing across to one called Nameless. They are now 120 feet off the ground!!! Do you say cliff hanger here or limb hanger? :)
I am dying to read this one. Everyone loves it!
Peer pressure, Bookfool! :)
This sounds great! Thanks for sharing!
Ew, it is so good Tiffany, and great read for your staff and faculty! :)
Hey - who won the State of the Mule contest????
No one yet, Diane. I haven't drawn. I keep putting it off and then when I think about it hubby isn't home.
I loved the title so much when I first heard it had to go onto the TBR list. I'm really looking forward to it, now even more with your review!
I loved this book! I read it in a day or so while on vacation this summer. It was just my cup of tea. I did review it also--sometime in August.
I have given you an award--stop on by to pick it up!
*smiles*
Kim
(page after page)
Ah, Kim, I'm honored. Thank yew!
This sounds really good. I have seen the cover in numerous places and will have to put it on my list to check out!
One of the best for 2008, April! :)
i love this book. i was afraid at first that it would be just another chick book, but it's not.
It's the title Jo! I wish they had named it something else, but I'm at a loss for what. :(
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