The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peal Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

Juliet is an author living in London soon after the end of WWII.  She has written a humorous column during the war that has been turned into a successful book.  Book talks, generous royalties, and the attentions of a rich American publisher fill her life with excitement. In some ways she is at the peak of her success, but she is at a loss about what to write next.  She receives a random letter from a farmer on the Channel Island of Guernsey and she becomes fascinated with the experience of the people on the island during the five years that they were under German occupation.  She begins a brisk correspondence with different residents of the Island that leads to more than she would have imagined.

 This book was hugely popular when it came out about 10 years ago, and I can see why.  It is utterly charming, and I can truly say I was sorry when it was finished.  The story is told entirely in the form of letters, telegrams and other print communications. Shaffer has a wonderful way of making each character come alive.  Some of the stories told by the Guernsey residents are heart wrenching, but much of the book is a sweet old-fashion love story.  It is interesting that the book was co-authored by Annie Barrows, the author of the successful Ivy & Bean series.  It turns out that Barrows is Shaffer's niece. Shaffer was quite elderly when she wrote the book, and passed away soon after it was accepted for publication.  Her niece agreed to do the needed revisions to get it ready for publication.  So the question is, how much of the book is Shaffer's and how much is Barrows? No matter which had the genius, the book is wonderful and I will be recommending it to all my friends.  (2008, 290 p.)