The first book I read was by Mary Ann Shaffer, a book many people were talking about a year or so ago. I don't think I could walk into a bookstore or have coffee with a friend without someone mentioning this book. The title alone seemed to attract readers. 'Potato Peel Pie Society' seemed to exude a type of mystery and humour that had been missing from literary books before. The 'Jane Austen Book Club' didn't sound as appealing after hearing this title. But, as you probably know now, I find it difficult to read a book when everyone is raving about it. So instead I re-read 84 Charing Cross Road and fell in love with it again.
Now, finally, I sat down to read 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and I really enjoyed it. A beautifully written story that explores the realities of life after the war and the importance of family, no matter how that family is made. Juliet Ashton, the accomplished writer who is the central protagonist of this story, engages in a endearing relationship with the members of a Literary Society in Guernsey. Through letters the reader is drawn into the enchanting world of Guernsey's only Literary Society and their terrifying and incredibly brave past.
I have studied quite a lot of history, spent time poring over history books and yet, I know almost nothing about the German occupation of Guernsey. Part of me wished this book was real, like 84 Charing Cross Road that these stories I was reading were true and real. Yet, I was drawn into the story regardless. It is an engrossing and endearing read about the love of reading and the joy you can get from sharing a good book with others.
You should read this book, but if you have a low tolerance for whimsy then read 84 Charing Cross Road but for everyone else read both. Compare! Enjoy them and remember how much you love to read, because the sunny days are coming (I hope) so we are all in need of good books!
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