Monday, December 08, 2008

Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society



Awwww, what a sweet book. I loved it.

This was my pick for my book club this month. And, miracle of miracles, everyone liked it! This rarely happens (usually we have a fairly even split of those who liked the book and those who were 'eh'). However, this charming and delightful book pleased us all. Perfect for the holiday season.

I had no idea this book was so popular when I picked it, but apparently it's very 'hot' right now. If you can get a copy at the library, I highly recommend reading it.

The gist: Competely written in (exceedingly charming and funny) letters, this tells the tale of Juliet, a London writer, finding her new story in the inhabitants of the island of Guernsey. Set just after WWII, the book walks the delicate line of being light and funny, and exploring the depths of how the horrors of the war touched everyone in Britain.

I completely did not expect to be so charmed. I keep using that word, but it really was. Charming, that is.

Ugh. I'm brain-dead. However, take my word for it. This is a lovely book that is perfect for this time of year. Friendships, quirky characters, wonderful writing, sly humor and social commentary, a bit of romance, and some exploration of deeper, darker subjects -- it hit the right note at every turn.

**

On another note, I don't know what possessed me, but I picked up The Name Of The Rose in an attempt to find something to carry me through the move. Right. Something light and easy for the season. Umberto Eco is known for light and easy.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh yeah, light and easy *snort* Best of luck with that. I'd just rent the movie with Sean Connery and a terribly young Christian Slater.

I keep on meaning to read Guernsey but for some reason have been hesitating to pick it up. Thanks for making it sound good again.

Daphne said...

Yes, I don't know what I'm thinking. I haven't even gotten through the first page. Oh well.

Yes, read Guernsey! It was really great, we all loved it. Very unexpectedly wonderful.

Anonymous said...

That does sound like a sweet book. I had to laugh at your choice of light and easy. Name of the Rose is a good book though. Maybe engaged and thoughtful will carry you through?

Ana S. said...

It does sound very sweet. And you know, I think most reviews I've read so far used the word "charming", so it's not just you!

I haven't read Eco yet, but yeah, probably not ideal for when you need light reading :P

Carl V. Anderson said...

This sounds like a perfect gift for my wife for Christmas, thanks for the great review!