“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

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.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Ratings and Reviews from the Librarians

Bekka rated it ★★★★ and said, “This is a wonderful book! Told through a series of letters, we get to know the eccentric and brave people of Guernsey, and what they suffered through the German occupation of their island during World War II. Although there are some difficult places (anytime you’ve got Nazis you’ve got difficult passages), this is a real feel-good book. I grew to love Juliet and both her old and new friends. Highly Recommended!”

Cathy rated it ★★★★.

Lorna rated it ★★★★★ and said, “I enjoyed the book. Not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading it. I would highly recommend this book!”