The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

If you haven't read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, it is a must read, especially now that the movie has been released by Netflix.

It is 1946 and the world has emerged slowly from the devastation of World War II when writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from someone she has never met. The man lives on Guernsey, a British island located in the English Channel near France. During the war, Guernsey was occupied by the Germans in hopes of using it as a jumping off point to invade England. They never did, but they occupied the island for most of the war.

Juliet begins a correspondence with Dawsey Adams, a pig farmer on the island. He tells her about the hardships they endured during the occupation and Juliet is captivated by the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Dawsey explains how the name came about and tells her about his

friends on the island. Juliet, a successful author, is searching for her next book and is intrigued by his story.  After many letters, she decides to head to Guernsey unannounced to meet the people and tell their story.

Unsure of her reception, Juliet is startled to learn the islanders don't want their story told. She promises them she will not write the story, but spends much time with them reading aloud at their Society meetings. Slowly she unravels the story of their life and is more certain than ever that she wants to write about it.

The book is beautifully written and is a touching study in friendship and loyalty during times of severe crisis. Sadly, the main author Mary Ann Shaffer died before the book was completed and her niece Annie Barrows completed it.

The Netflix movie stars many of your favorite Downton Abbey actors including Elizabeth McKnna (Lady Sybil Crawley), Lily James (cousin Rose), Penelope Wilton (Mrs Crawley and several others you will recognize. Dawsey Adams is played by the very handsome Michiel Huisman.

I loved the book and I enjoyed the movie. Read the book first, then watch the movie.

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