The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Gentle Reads Annotation

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

Genre: Gentle Reads (also Historical Fiction)

Publication Date: 2008

Number of Pages: 277

Geographical Setting: Guernsey/Channel Islands, England

Time Period: 1946

Plot Summary: Coming off of the end of World War II, writer Juliet Ashton is about to write her next book.  Having written lighthearted, humorous columns throughout the war, she is ready to try something more serious and is looking for her next subject.  By happenstance, she is contacted by a man from Guernsey (located on the British Channel Islands) who requests her assistance in acquiring books for the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  Through a series of correspondences with this man and other Guernsey residents, Juliet comes to discover not only the peculiar beginnings of the islanders' book club, but also that these people might be an intriguing subject for her new book.  Her bond with Guernsey and its people grows, and soon she finds just what she has been searching for.

Subject Headings: Women authors; Book clubs (Discussion groups); London (England)--History--20th century

Characteristics and Appeal:

Pacing -- The pace of this book is leisurely and relaxed.  Letters are sent between characters over the course of about nine months, with time passing between each letter.  Because of this, readers can feel the unhurried passage of time with .  There is no sense of urgency, and this is not an action-packed story.  The plot unfolds comfortably.

Characterization -- There are multiple points of view from several endearing characters of varying importance.  The characters often tell of their situations during World War II, which has just ended, and much of what they experienced was unpleasant and painful.  Most of the characters, however, are very charming and add a light, humorous touch to their recounting of the war.  The warmth and familiarity of the characters greatly add to the appeal of the book.

Tone -- This book is heartwarming and bittersweet.  The characters have endured difficulties because of the war, but throughout the story it is clear that they have overcome them and found normalcy again.  The interactions between characters are cheerful, peaceful, and reassuring.  All problems throughout the plot are resolved, and loose ends are neatly tied at the conclusion of the book.

Read-alikes:
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff -- A nonfiction, epistolary novel that also explores life in Britain after World War II, sharing a similarly personal feel and heartwarming look at friendships.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana Rosany -- Another fictional account about people living under German occupation during World War II, sharing multiple viewpoints and demonstrating hope after war.

Between Friends by Debbie Macomber -- Another epistolary Gentle Read that explores friendship in a post-World War II world.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake -- An atmospheric Historical Fiction novel exploring relationships between two Americans, one in the States and one in London, at the start of World War II.