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

This book has a funny title, but it is one of the most charming, endearing books I've ever read.

It is 1946 and WWII has recently ended. Juliet Ashton, author of a successful London newspaper column-turned-book, is on the search for material for a new novel when she receives a letter from a man living on Guernsey Island, in the English Channel. His name is Dawsey Adams. It seems that a book by Charles Lamb, that Juliet had previously owned, has somehow found it's way into Dawsey's hands, and he's written to ask Juliet if she will be so kind as to find another book by Mr. Lamb and send it to him. Thus begins a correspondence between Juliet and Dawsey. When Juliet discovers that Dawsey belongs to a literary group with a peculiar name, she writes to ask how the group and the name came to be. As the exchange of letters continues, not only with Dawsey but with other members of the group, Juliet learns that the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" was formed one night as an alibi when a group of people were found out after curfew during the German occupation. Eager to know more about these people, their tastes in books, and their struggles during the occupation, Juliet corresponds with the members of the society. Thinking their stories will make a great book, Juliet visits Guernsey and finds the society members to be kindred spirits.

Told entirely through letters, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a warm and funny novel, one that will touch your heart. By the time the book was done, I had fallen in love with all of the characters. The historical aspect of the novel was really interesting, too. Very well written, and definitely a book I'd recommend.

5/5