The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society.

 This novel was published in 2008 however, if you have not read it, you may have watched the movie which was released ten years later in 2018. Anybody who knows me knows that I always prefer a book in comparison to a move. I can safely say that my opinion of preferring books has not changed, especially with this book. Do not get me wrong, I adored the film, yet the book had a lovely warming atmosphere. It felt like a comforting hug that you would receive from your grandparents. 

The novel is based in 1946. World War Two is finally over. The story itself begins when Juliet Ashton a writer in London receives a letter from Dawsey Adams. Dawsey is a member of The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society and he is writing to Juliet in the hopes to find a bookshop that contains the works of Charles Lamb. Juliet is interested and curious to find out more about Dawsey and the society he is a member of. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society is a group of people who shared their love for literature and books which helped them survive the war. As Dawsey and Juliet begin exchanging letters, Juliet comes in contact with the other members of the society through letters. Each member becomes very fond of Juliet similarly, Juliet becomes very fond of each member. After a while, Juliet visits Guernsey to finally meet all the members.

One thing I loved about this novel is that it is written as an epistolary novel which is a novel written through letters. I felt as though I was reading a beautiful classic book by Jane Austen. The references of the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen also made this book even more beautiful. I found that the references of classic literature authors created a parallel between the classical language used within the novel. The language used within the book is somewhat comforting, beautiful and warming. 

Although the book is fictional, there is an element of truth in the novel. As Juliet gets to know the members of The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society share with her their experiences and stories of the war. Stories which seem so horrific yet they are so realistic. We all know about the War and trauma it caused, this book is a reminder of that. A strong eye opener to what people faced throughout the war and how they were effected. 

The novel really symbolized the power of a good book. It was the power of literature that brought this society together and it was the society that helped each one of them survive their traumatic experiences. Sometimes the power of a good book is overlooked, yet this novel clearly represents the full potential literature has and the beautiful ways it can bring people together.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, a book of love, comfort and joy. A story that highlights the beautiful meaning of literature and resembles the troubling times of the War and shows that kindness can go a long way. To conclude this review, I would like to leave you with a charming quote from this outstanding book.  

'One tiny thing will interest you in a book and that tiny thing will lead you to another book and another bit will lead you to a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.'