by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
summary from bn.com:
January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb…. As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.
I enjoyed this book very much. It reminded me quite a bit of 84 Charing Cross Road, which is also told through a series of letters (though that one is non fiction) and is the story of book lovers. I loved that even with only letters you get to know this funny little community well. The book just made me smile. I feel like everyone has read, reviewed, and praised this book so much that don't really need to do that. There were a few things that I didn't like as much so I will mention those.
Whenever there is a telegram the author used periods instead of STOP. I realize that is totally minute and doesn't really matter, but for some reason it really bothered me!
I also thought the ending was a bit cheesy. It came together so perfectly that it was just too much. I like happy endings, but I guess this one was a bit contrived for me.
That said, I really did enjoy the book. It is so fun to read about people of who love books and love to share books. Definitely recommended.
4 out of 5 stars
4 comments:
Never heard of this 84 Charing Cross Road. Should I try it out?
I liked this one alot and have recommended to many people. The ending was a little cheesy but I like some cheese with me books.
Laura H - I would definitely recommend 84 Charing Cross Road. It's super short (maybe 80 pages), so it makes a quick read. But, it is very fun. It's told in letter form, but they are real letters that people wrote to each other.
I loved this book - well love is a strong word, but it was a good read. I usually dislike books written like this because it is hard to get into the plot, really it's the characters who take the lead in a book like this so the middle of the book for me ends up dragging, but this was an exception - the characters were strong enough to hold the book the entire time.
And I love that I finally have read a book you reviewed :)
Read 84 Charing Cross. Like you said very short but sweet. Liked it alot. Thanks for the recommend.
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