The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I think what resonates most with me about this book is the witty distinct style of each character. When I first noticed the book was in letter form I was hesitant to buy it; feeling this format may hinder the flow of the story, making it seem like homework. To my surprise it actually enhances the intimacy you feel towards the people in the story. I choose the word people rather than characters because as you come to the final page of this book, they are real, you want to fly to Guernsey and meet each one.

I also love the fact that the book is historical fiction; it adds a certain depth and reality to the story. Most of what I have read on WWII deals with the years when the war was full throttle; " Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" takes place post WWII when people are trying to put their lives back together. You still get vivid pictures of the isolation and desperation these people felt during the war, but you also feel the pain they all share knowing that some things will never be the same. It takes much effort to resume a normal lifestyle and the author's presentation is realistic; at times heartbreaking, at other times heartwarming