by Mary Shaffer & Annie Barrows, 2008, 274p, rating=4.5
This novel was told through exchanges of letters between characters. I thought that was pretty clever and it worked here. I enjoyed getting to know the characters this way. And what a fascinating group of characters they were too! Isola was my favorite. She's a hoot!!!
This book club, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, came to birth at a whim as an alibi to avoid getting in trouble by the Germans while actually they were feasting on an illegal pig! So quickly the "members" had to fill the room with books and really hold meetings thereafter. A few were truly readers and the others later discovered their own literary niche. This pretend club soon became a true group.
Julie stumbles into this group post WWII and thus corresponds with the members to learn more. She learns about their personal stories including their experiences under the German occupation and feels there is a book there to write about. So she sets out to personally see the island and the members. There is a story alright and she becomes engrossed in it.
Wonderful book! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll want to join a book club! Well written and I like how most of the characters embrace good human qualities. Lots of interesting side stories and even romance.
**My quotables: "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.", Isola, pg.53
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I had never heard of this book before. I recently read a book that utilized a similar writing style, and I found it very interesting. It provides a unique insight into a character when they are trying to explain their thoughts, actions and feelings to someone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for an interesting review!
Louise @ Between the Covers