This week I read a great book. Or to be more accurate, I listened to a great book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The book is written as a series of letters to and from main character, Juliet Ashton. The audio version enhances this format, as the different correspondents’ letters are read by different actors.
The story begins in post-WWII England and moves to the Isle of Guernsey, one of the British channel islands occupied by the Germans during the war. The story of the Literary Society and the German occupation are told through the eyes of the Juliet’s various pen pals. The horrors of the era aren’t glossed over, but the characters responses are real, honest, and ultimately hopeful.
The story is a perfect mix of history, humor, authentic characters and romance. One of Juliet’s quotes ear the end of the book made my ears perk up. In a letter to her editor she says, “This obsession with dignity can ruin your life if you let it.” I need to memorize those words and repeat them whenever my dignity obsession rears it’s ugly little head.
The book isn’t a not a hard read. It’s well-written and the authors bring history alive. You’ll be entertained while you learn about the little-known occupation of English soil during the war. And when you’re finished, you’ll feel good, too. What more could you ask for?
