Comments on: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

By: Ruth Walker

Ruth Walker — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:46:58 +0000

A warm and cheering cup of tea. Just the thing for difficult times and yes, it does come close to being a bit too sweet at times but somehow, stops just short of it so that we fall back into the truth of the tale. Given the stark reality and terrible places we sometimes had to visit, a touch of sugar was welcome more often than not.
Rich and gorgeously full characters and placed into settings that are so well drawn I can close my eyes and see it all. As to the comments about the speed of letters — I understand in the UK at the time there was a morning post and an afternoon post, so that you mailed your question in the morning and had your reply in the afternoon. In the 1920s, my grandfather proposed an elopement to my grandmother in just such a fashion.
I did not want this book to stop. It ended too quickly but I smiled nonetheless. Lovely. Just lovely.

By: Donna in Florida

Donna in Florida — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:34:21 +0000

Have read the book twice. It was recommended by a friend but is also on the reading list of a wonderful series of literary lectures given each year by Elaine Newton at the Naples Philharmonic. First time I could not read fast enough as I so enjoyed the story. The second time was on a trip by plane and I read slowly so it would last. We have a wonderful library system and I was interested enough by some of the letters to read Seneca’s letters, some of the World War I poetry mentioned, as well as dipping into Lamb. Am planning to reread the book before it will be discussed at the December lecture. It is truly a book for those who love to read.

By: Joan Elmont

Joan Elmont — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:53:41 +0000

A fascinating book! Also so true. My husband was one of the Guernsey evacuees! The characters may be ficticious but their stories are very real. We could even visualise some of the characters as they remind us of real people we know. One of our family was killed when St. Peter Port was bombed – he hid under a tomato truck! It was time for some of the stories of the occupation to be aired as so many people do not realise just how much the people of the Channel Islands did suffer under the German occupation. When my husband returned home at the end of the war he barely recognised his mother due to the toll food deprivation had taken on her. A diet of seaweed and cabbage leaves for many months is hard to survive on. The chapel made from broken crockery exists. The story of the Todt prisoners is true – and horrendous. Many more than one Islander was sent to concentration camps – never to return. This wonderful book had to be well researched to provide its story. Believe me – it all really DID happen! The only pity is that it was not longer or will not have a sequel.

By: Jean Matchett

Jean Matchett — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:06:39 +0000

Such a delightful book. I loved “84 Charing Cross Road” so was thrilled to find this book. Thanks to Pegg Davidson re reading the book to her mother. My mother loved 84 Charing Cross Road” so will take this book with me when I visit my 97 year old mum in December (we live in different states) Jean

By: Kathy Potts

Kathy Potts — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:05:35 +0000

I started the book yesterday and finished it today! I loved every word! A friend loaned it to me and I told her yesterday how it reminded my of “84 Charing Cross Road”. It wasn’t until today that I read the reviews in the front of the book to see that someone from the Library Journal felt the same way! I have already looked online to learn about Guernsey and would love to visit that beautiful island. Perhaps I’ll win the lottery! My biggest problem now is finding a book to read that I shall love as well!! “Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones” but I’ll just have to start looking! I’d love any suggestions! Kathy

By: Peggy Macpherson

Peggy Macpherson — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:28:25 +0000

I’m reading this on vacation – for the second time really, as while I was reading it the first time and also not wanting it to end, I made up my mind to start at the very beginning again, which I have done. First time in my life I have done this. I was going to write to the author and tell her how much I enjoyed it, came to this website in my search for information about a possible movie, and discovered with sadness that Ms. Shaffer has passed away. What a great book she left us all. I like the idea of hearing it on audio with accents, so that’s the next step. Thanks for the suggestion, Heidi.

By: Brenda R

Brenda R — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:20:46 +0000

I just finished reading this wonderful book! Unlike many of the reviewers, I’m no nibbler. Instead, I gobbled it up in two evenings. What a delectable feast! No doubt I will read it again and savor every morsel but I just didn’t have the self discipline this first time around. I will recommend this book to all my book buddies!

By: OCNative

OCNative — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:38:39 +0000

Those who enjoyed this book may also enjoy the BBC mini-series “Foyle’s War,” featuring fascinating looks at how war-related issues like rationing and the black market affected ordinary British citizens in villages.

By: Nicola

Nicola — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:00:26 +0000

I just loved this book and couldn’t put it down ,
In fact, I recently picked it up to lend to a friend – and sat down and read it again in one sitting ! It was like peeling an onion – layers of learning about the horrors of war in guernsey and London, books , the authors, fictional and real etc . And we see that even in War there are “good ” baddies ,( ( Barbara’s doctor ) and ” bad” goodies ( the islander that betrayed them ) . Wonderful!

By: Eva Robinson

Eva Robinson — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:21:57 +0000

Even reading the comments proved delightful! I ditto the habit of putting myself on a page-controlled reading diet for this book. My favorite beautifully written books are those which succinctly yet magically tell a story. I could “hear” the characters’ accents reading their letters aloud. I had no desire to skip ahead to discover the fate of a relationship or the outcome of the prisoners. This is not that kind of action packed thriller with words to be stepped over to get to the action. Brilliant, precise writing – who better to write such a work than a brilliant, precise Librarian! I would have loved to have met Ms. Shafer. To Pegg Davidson: So sorry for the loss of your Mother. To have read this to your Mom knowing how glad she was to have you there with her favorite book will be a source of comfort to you. May the Lord bless you.

By: Pegg Davidson

Pegg Davidson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:39:11 +0000

I too loved this book and passed it on to my 89 year old mother this spring. She enjoyed it so much that she limited the number of pages she read each day. Often, we talked with excitement on the phone about where she was in the book. Little did she know that a sudden health issue would have her leave her home for good with the last 30 pages remaining to be read. When I arrived at her bedside in the hospital, I surprised her with the book in hand. We finished this, our last book together with laughter and tears as her life ebbed to a close. My mom said she thought it was the best book she had ever read. Me too, for many reasons.

By: Christene Helpingstine

Christene Helpingstine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:04:59 +0000

I also loved this book. And was sad when it was over. I wouldn’t mind turning it over and starting again. I will miss my Guernsey friends. It will take me a few days before I can start the next book on my reading list.
It is a book I will recommend to everyone, especially my book crazy friends. We are discussing it in my book group this month (August) and I look forward to the discussion. Not sure if I will serve Potato Peel Pie!

By: Barbara Acosta

Barbara Acosta — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:40:04 +0000

Barbara Acosta again. Please forgive my incorrect date – it is of course 2009, not 1009! Also, my book club refreshment will be the same as the book’s title “Potato Peel Pie” not Potato Pie Peel! The hour is late:-)

By: Barbara Acosta

Barbara Acosta — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:18:00 +0000

August 19, 1009

I am reading this book presently. Since I am hosting our Book Club at my home in September, the selection was mine to make. I also was drawn in slowly and truly needed to sort out the letter writers in my mind at first. Guess what I plan to serve at our meeting? I am creating a potato pie peel recipe to honor this book:-) Yes, I best offer a muffin or some sweet treat also along with coffee.

By: Heidi Luise

Heidi Luise — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:35:23 +0000

If you have the chance to listen to the audio production of the wonderful book, you will be completely taken in by the fantastic voices that give life to these characters. I have decided this is my favorite book to listen to, ever! In fact, it is always on my ipod and I have listened to it several times already.

It really is a shame that there will not be a sequel.

By: Karen Shuster

Karen Shuster — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:47:07 +0000

Nan Botazu wrote: “Somehow I seem to remember seeing a movie on tv that either was about this book or a story very familiar to this one. Does anyone else remember seeing it?”
I conjecture that she is thinking of “Island at War”, a Brit mini-series with Saskia Reeves which appeared on PBS in 2005. Well-worth seeking out.

By: Jennie Butler

Jennie Butler — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:58:50 +0000

Wonderfully reminiscent of Helen Hanff’s 1970 “84 Charing Cross Road,” a book about a long correspondence, between writer Hanff and a British bookstore proprietor, during World War II. I adored both books! Hanff’s was made into a movie in the 1980’s.

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:55:30 +0000

I loved this book. I fell in love with the characters. When i was done with the book I was so sad. I felt a connection to the characters in the story. It was a wonderful book and I was sad that I finished too soon.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:48:13 +0000

Hi Barbara
Actually, mail was delivered several times a day by the Royal Mail. In the late 1800s there were 7 mail deliveries a day in London.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:04:57 +0000

Thank you for all of your helpful comments. I am currently on page 94 and find this somewhat of a “slow read”. It does not provide me with the drive or eagerness to pick it up each night. But I will continue, hoping that it becomes fast-paced reading.

By: Linda Smith

Linda Smith — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:34:14 +0000

Another wonderful book about Guernsey is The Book of Ebenezer Le Page:
http://www.nybooks.com/shop/product?usca_p=t&product_id=7036.

I read it many years ago and absolutely loved it and am now tempted to go back and re-read it.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:15:31 +0000

I had to put the book down when I neared the end for fear it would be over…………..but, alas, I made myself finish it. Now I am sad to go online to discover that Shaffer is no longer on this earth to write a sequel! What a great read and I loved getting to know the characters. Now, I’m off to search for a book that I can enjoy as much as I did Guernsey…if that’s possible.

By: denise

denise — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:55:21 +0000

Hi, barbara, just finished reading this book today and in response to you question about how can letters get passed so quickly, well in the city such is london they would have had delivery boys, who delivered letters and perhaps waited for a reply, so there was possibly a errand boy who delived a letter and waited for a reply and so forth. Lovely book, am living in Ireland and am heading to France again, travelling through Normandy, i always love reading about France.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:46:03 +0000

I’m just curious – I’m just on page 70 (reading this for my book club) and I can’t understand how these letters go back and forth so quickly. For example, Mark writes to Juliet about going out together, she writes back, he writes back, etc…… 5 letters written on the same date. How are they going back and forth?? (Just curious!) Thanks for any help!

By: Rufi

Rufi — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:50:58 +0000

Like some of the previous comments, the book was a slow start for me, but I had to keep reading, since it is the June selection for our book group. Reading the book on my Kindle on a 13 hour plane trip to India, I could not put it down. I loved the fact that the whole story is done in letters. What a clever writing style.

Yes, I would love to make a trip to Guernsey!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:29:59 +0000

Such a beautiful story. I too, didn’t want it to end. I am recommending my book Club select it for the next season beginning in Sept. The joy of reading the book lingers on.
I read, read, read a wide range of books and I would venture to say author, Mary Ann Shaffer’s literary accomplishment would be a classic.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:07:54 +0000

You’ll find yourself smiling as you read this book – a delight!

By: Nan Botzau

Nan Botzau — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:03:03 +0000

I too loved this book. Somehow I seem to remember seeing a movie on tv that either was about this book or a story very familiar to this one. Does anyone else remember seeing it?I too wanted the book to last longer. I have a habit of letting myself stop reading close to the end of a wonderful book just to make it last longer. Once it is over it seems like loosing a good friend.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:39:35 +0000

I totally agree with the review of Marjorie! I thought the book quirky in the beginning, but had heard that it was worth reading; so I trudged on. Little did I know what was awaiting me. The way that Shaffer and Barrows went from slow pace to fast was engaging. I enjoyed the creativity of the plot and how it continued to unfold. A great book; I didn’t want it to end! How sad that Mary Ann Shaffer is deceased; what a loss to readers everywhere!

By: marjorie

marjorie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:37:48 +0000

I just finished this book for my book group. When I started it I felt it would be tiresome. I was quickly caught up in the characters. It actually had a good pace with both lighthearted parts and reality parts. I felt though that at the end the pace was on fast forward.