Sunday, January 9, 2011

52 Books in 52 Weeks - Book 1

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Isn't it beautiful? Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows created such a wonderful word picture of Guernsey Island, the setting of this book, that I had to look for pictures to see for myself. This unique book details the fictional correspondence between the residents of the island and author Juliet Ashton, who is looking for material for a new book. This unique format details the unique stories of the island residents, some of whom fought in World War II or were taken to camps. Others stayed on the island during the German occupation. Ms. Shaffer and Ms. Barrows did an excellent job of describing characters that were at once delightful and full of thought provoking things to say as they related their experiences. This is a wonderful book to read - I feel as if I have met a kindred spirit in the fictional character of Ms. Ashton. This is suitable reading for teens and adults both, although readers should be aware that there are a few short, vivid descriptions of life inside concentration camps. Well done!

3 comments:

l said...

I read this book last year and really enjoyed it too! I hadn't googled for photos of the island, it is beautiful!!

Cheree Moore said...

I tried to listen to this book on CD a few years ago. It was incredibly difficult to listen to, so I gave up. I may give it another try and actually read it this time.

Robin M said...

I keep hearing about this book but haven't gotten around to it yet. One of these days.