30 Mar Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

There is something about epistolary novels that makes them feel more intimate, as if you are peeking into someone’s private correspondence, slowly unraveling a story through their thoughts and experiences. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one of those books that manages to be charming, heartfelt, and deeply moving all at once. Set in the aftermath of World War II, it tells a story of resilience, friendship, and the power of literature to bring people together, even in the darkest of times.

What’s it about?

The novel begins in 1946, just after the end of World War II, and follows Juliet Ashton, a writer who has made a name for herself penning humorous columns during the war. Now, she is struggling to find a subject for her next book, something that feels meaningful in a world still recovering from devastation.

One day, Juliet receives an unexpected letter from Dawsey Adams, a stranger who lives on the island of Guernsey. He has found her name written inside a second-hand book by Charles Lamb and, intrigued by her literary tastes, writes to her asking if she might help him find more books. Intrigued by his letter, Juliet responds, and through their correspondence, she learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club formed during the German occupation of the island.

As Juliet exchanges letters with Dawsey and other members of the society, she pieces together their remarkable story. During the war, Guernsey was cut off from the rest of the world, occupied by German forces who imposed strict rations and curfews. One evening, while sneaking home after an illicit pig roast, a group of islanders was stopped by German soldiers. Thinking quickly, they claimed they had been gathering for a literary society meeting, and to their surprise, the lie worked. To maintain the illusion, they actually began meeting to discuss books, and over time, their group became a source of comfort, friendship, and resistance against the harsh realities of occupation.

Through the letters, Juliet is introduced to a host of unforgettable characters. Dawsey, the quiet and kind-hearted pig farmer who first wrote to her, quickly becomes one of her favorite correspondents. There is Isola, the eccentric and fiercely independent woman with a knack for reading people. Amelia, the strong and nurturing figure who held the group together during the war. And then there is Elizabeth McKenna, the woman at the heart of the society, who is mysteriously absent but whose story unfolds through the memories of those who knew her.

Elizabeth was one of the founding members of the society, a fiercely courageous woman who defied the German occupiers in small but meaningful ways. She fell in love with a German officer, Christian Hellman, a rare kind soul among the enemy forces. Their relationship was one of quiet defiance, but it ultimately led to Elizabeth’s arrest when she was caught helping a prisoner. As Juliet learns more about Elizabeth’s fate, she becomes more invested in the lives of the people on Guernsey.

Drawn by their resilience and the deep sense of community they have built, Juliet decides to visit the island herself. Once there, she becomes immersed in their lives, experiencing firsthand the lingering scars left by the war but also the enduring warmth and humor that binds them together. The more time she spends in Guernsey, the more she realizes that her future may not be in London after all.

As the novel progresses, Juliet finds herself torn between two worlds—the glittering literary society she belongs to in London and the simpler, more meaningful connections she has made on Guernsey. She also faces decisions about love, as she grows closer to Dawsey while struggling with the expectations of a suitor back in London.

The novel builds toward a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion, as Juliet finally understands what she has been searching for all along—not just a new book idea, but a place where she truly belongs.

What This Chick Thinks

A story about resilience and the power of books

One of the most beautiful aspects of this novel is how it highlights the role of literature in times of crisis. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society began as a lie, but it became a lifeline for its members. Books offered them an escape, a way to connect, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, stories could provide hope.

A unique format that makes the story feel personal

The epistolary format works perfectly for this novel. The letters give each character a distinct voice and make the reader feel like they are uncovering the story piece by piece. It also adds to the sense of intimacy—you are not just reading about these people, you are hearing their thoughts, their struggles, and their humor in their own words.

A cast of characters you won’t forget

The strength of this book lies in its characters. Each member of the society has a story to tell, and the more you learn about them, the more you feel invested in their lives. Elizabeth, though absent, leaves the biggest impact. Her bravery, kindness, and defiance in the face of occupation make her one of the most compelling figures in the novel, even though we never see her firsthand.

A balance of humor and heartbreak

The novel does not shy away from the horrors of war. The realities of the occupation—starvation, fear, the loss of loved ones—are present throughout. But there is also humor, warmth, and a sense of joy that makes the book feel uplifting rather than heavy. The friendships, the small moments of kindness, and the resilience of the islanders make it a deeply rewarding read.

Final Thoughts

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a book that lingers. It is a love letter to literature, to human resilience, and to the unexpected ways people find connection. It is both a war story and a love story, a tale of loss and hope, and ultimately, a reminder that home is not just a place but the people who make it feel like one.

If you love historical fiction that is rich in heart, humor, and unforgettable characters, this book is one you won’t want to miss.

Rating: 9/10

Try it if you like

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – A moving novel about women’s resilience during World War II, with strong female leads and emotional depth.
• The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles – Another historical fiction novel that explores the power of books and the bonds formed in times of crisis.
• Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce – A novel that blends humor and heartache while exploring life on the home front during World War II.