Romance: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

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Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: 2008

Number of Pages: 291

Geographical Setting: London, England; Guernsey, Channel Islands

Time Period: January-September 1946

Plot Summary: After World War II, writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book when she receives a letter from a man named Dawsey Adams on the island of Guernsey. Dawsey tells her of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which was formed during the island’s Nazi occupation. As letters stream into her London flat, Juliet begins to fall in love with their story and the island’s people.

Subject Headings:  Women authors -- Fiction.
Book clubs (Discussion groups) -- Fiction.
World War, 1939-1945 -- Occupied territories -- Fiction.
Military occupation -- Fiction.

Appeals

Heat Index: Chaste; Sensuous language

For readers wanting a non-spicy read, this one is for you, though characters do speak in every-so-often innuendo and mentions of sexual acts.

Writing Style: Epistolary; Slang and Dialect present

For those unfamiliar with the epistolary novel, these books are told solely through secondary written works, such as letters (like Guernsey), diary entries, newspaper articles, transcriptions of audio or video, text messages, or official reports. The slang and dialect provide "witty banter" even through letters, and the novel does not lack a number of "lush and expressive" quotes to save for later. (Wyatt & Saricks, 2019)

Characters: Large character list; Strong female lead

The large character list offers readers a wonderful cast of differing backgrounds and personalities that manage to complement each other during the events that are told in the story. These characters offer Juliet "friendships [that] help define her and provide [her] with additional perspective on what is important in her life" through their letters and her interactions with them (Wyatt & Saricks, 2019). Juliet is a classic independent heroine, "though not...conventionally beautiful", whose man "just happens to appear" quite suddenly into her life (Wyatt & Saricks, 2019). 

3 terms that best describe this book: Heartwarming, Bittersweet, and Enthralling

 

Read-Alikes: 

Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole

Written in the form of letters, this romance shares the secret relationship between a poet on the Isle of Skye and an American volunteer soldier for the French Army. The letters are only found when the poet mysteriously disappears.

Similarities: For fans of epistolary novels and romance in a time of war, you'll love this one. Like Guernsey, this book is told in the form of letters between romantic interests and utilizes a moving tone. Where Guernsey's story is intricately plotted and bittersweet, Skye offers a sweeping tale with lyrical prose.

I’ll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes & Loretta Nyhan

While Rita and Glory's husbands are off fighting in the Second World War, the letters they share are what keep them going through difficult times.

Similarities: For fans of books set in World War II and the epistolary novel, this is sure to be a worthwhile read. Like Guernsey, Seeing You offers rich characters, multiple perspectives, and a bittersweet tone. Like Guernsey, the connections characters share with each other in times of trouble is what keeps them going.

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin 

During the darkest time in London's history, Grace Bennett uses the power of reading to unite her community through her brick-and-mortar bookshop-- a saving power during the Blitz.

Similarities: For fans of books about books and novels set during World War II, this is worth looking into. Like Guernsey, Bookshop features engaging prose and a bittersweet tone. 

For readers wanting to learn more about the Nazi occupation of the British Channel Islands...

Living With the Enemy by Roy McLoughlin

This non-fiction title features first-hand accounts from islanders during the time of Nazi occupation and details regarding the occupation. While Guernsey does not shy away from telling the horrifying truth of the occupation through fiction, this book brings it into reality.

A Doctor's Occupation by Dr. John Lewis

This book tells the story of Dr. John Lewis, who ran his own medical practice on the island of Jersey, just southeast of Guernsey. Like Guernsey, Lewis' account shares the living conditions and circumstances of the islanders during the 5-year-long occupation.

The Model Occupation by Madeleine Bunting

Like Guernsey, Bunting shares the internal struggles islanders faced during the occupation. What were islanders willing to sacrifice to stay safe amidst looming threats of concentration camps and certain death? Readers saw the characters in Guernsey sacrificing parts of their lives, but reading true accounts may prove to evoke greater emotion.

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2018). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction (3rd edition). American Library Association.