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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Letters to Guernsey
Latest Book Review :)
I consider myself a relatively observant person. As such, I have noticed that historical fiction is not everyone’s favorite genre. Nevermind that as a history major and avid reader, I have a hard time understanding said people; I’ll cut them some slack and make allowances for differences in taste.
However, for those of you who were embittered against history by a boring class or uninspiring teacher, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows might go a long way to changing your outlook. Set directly after World War II in London and Guernsey Island, the novel is told through a series of charming, though sometimes tragic letters. As a result of a coincidence, the main character, Juliet Ashton, begins a correspondence with several Guernsey Islanders who make up the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (you’ll have to read the book to learn more about the society). The letters relate the story of the Island’s occupation during World War II and show the way in which the main characters’ lives are changed through close friendships and a shared sense of honor.
I’ll admit that I didn’t know anything about Guernsey Island prior to reading this book. A stretch of land about 25 square miles that has bounced back and forth over the centuries between England and France, the Island was primarily used in trade. From 1940-1945, Guernsey Island was occupied by Nazi forces hoping to use the Island’s close proximity to England as a military advantage. During the occupation, the Germans cut off all communication with the outside world. Radio, newspapers, and letters were outlawed. Although their treatment of the Islanders was initially lenient, starvation and cruelty occurred toward the end of the occupation.
Though at times sober and heartbreaking, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was on the whole, uproariously funny. I recommend this novel to everyone in need of a good book and an uplifting story. With the stresses of everyday life and knowledge of worldwide suffering, it’s sometimes nice to remember that sometimes, human beings can rise to the occasion and improve the lives of others.
Go ahead, read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. You’ll like it.
I consider myself a relatively observant person. As such, I have noticed that historical fiction is not everyone’s favorite genre. Nevermind that as a history major and avid reader, I have a hard time understanding said people; I’ll cut them some slack and make allowances for differences in taste.
However, for those of you who were embittered against history by a boring class or uninspiring teacher, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows might go a long way to changing your outlook. Set directly after World War II in London and Guernsey Island, the novel is told through a series of charming, though sometimes tragic letters. As a result of a coincidence, the main character, Juliet Ashton, begins a correspondence with several Guernsey Islanders who make up the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (you’ll have to read the book to learn more about the society). The letters relate the story of the Island’s occupation during World War II and show the way in which the main characters’ lives are changed through close friendships and a shared sense of honor.
I’ll admit that I didn’t know anything about Guernsey Island prior to reading this book. A stretch of land about 25 square miles that has bounced back and forth over the centuries between England and France, the Island was primarily used in trade. From 1940-1945, Guernsey Island was occupied by Nazi forces hoping to use the Island’s close proximity to England as a military advantage. During the occupation, the Germans cut off all communication with the outside world. Radio, newspapers, and letters were outlawed. Although their treatment of the Islanders was initially lenient, starvation and cruelty occurred toward the end of the occupation.
Though at times sober and heartbreaking, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was on the whole, uproariously funny. I recommend this novel to everyone in need of a good book and an uplifting story. With the stresses of everyday life and knowledge of worldwide suffering, it’s sometimes nice to remember that sometimes, human beings can rise to the occasion and improve the lives of others.
Go ahead, read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. You’ll like it.
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