We all need a respite from what is going on today. If you don't need one---bless you but I know I did and got it thanks to a recommendation from Djan. I have been a long time and happy follower of her blog Djan-ity. She pointed me to a delightful place to go to be gently entertained a while ago. She had recommended the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Ok that is a mouth full but I am not put off by long titles. I once reviewed a delightful book titled, The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared. See you can't scare me with a long title. The latter was a Forrest Gump type book for seniors, while this book that Djan recommended is a pleasant escape, it is also a history lesson.
I had no idea that the isle of Guernsey, which is an island in the English Channel, was occupied by the Germans during WWII for 5 years while London was being bombed. The story takes place a year after they were liberated.
The fictional story about a historic time is written in the form of letters from the island residents to a journalist, Juliet. It also includes her letters in turn to her editor, friends and to the residents. It is totally letter driven. I know that sounds beyond boring but I loved it and never felt the story sag at all. It was one of those books I eagerly returned to each evening. The letters instead of making the story a chore, made character development clear and charming while the pace moved right along smoothly.
The residents write to Juliet to tell of their experiences with the occupation of the Germans. It is like a history book but lacking the boring parts. The people are all (well maybe except for one) delightful. I found the writing often witty and quite warming if sometimes poignant.
I became so engrossed with the characters that once a single line caught me so by surprise that it literally made me put the book aside, overcome by hurt. But generally, I smiled through out. There is also a sweet love story woven in that I didn't see coming.
Like I said, it is a great escape and uplifting book. I hope you will give it a go if you need a break from all this madness. I guess the movie is also available from Netflix if you aren't in the mood for reading. Djan said the movie was also wonderful.
Stay sane and safe.
Just downloaded the e-book from my public library. Thanks for your recommendation, Patti. It sounds excellent. Looking forward to this little escape.
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteHope you enjoy it. Isn't that ability to get digital books from our library just the best? Quick and clean.
Patti this is some review, if it has yours & DJan’s recommendations I need to check this out—well for now, the Netflix movie at least. I love DJan’s Sunday blog, I know she has another blog but I thought it was devoted to hiking & other outside adventures. I need to check that out too.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteDjan said the movie was really good also. Either way, it is uplifting. Djan-ity does cover a lot of out door things. I use her as my surrogate exerciser. She inspires me to move.
I have read that book twice ... and the one about the 100 year old man. I have not yet seen the movie, but I did see it is on Netflix so perhaps I will soon.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteWell, seems I am preaching to the choir here. So glad you enjoyed both books. I know I sure did.
Well, thank you for the shout out, Patti. And I am sure glad you enjoyed the book as much as I did. The movie is also good but entirely different in tone. Lily James plays Juliet and is wonderful. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteYou really put me on to a good one. I loved it. Don't have Netflix so I probably won't see the movie. Would be interesting though to see if their images matched the ones I saw in my mind.
I loved that book. It was so charming, wasn't it.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteYes, I know. I really fell in love with those residents. They were strong and delightful. Wouldn't mind seeing the island today.
I love your description of this book, "It's like a history book, but lacking the boring parts." This sounds like such an interesting and entertaining way to tell a story.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteAt first I was skeptical that I would enjoy the format but it was done so skillfully. The story moved quickly but you also got to see inside each character.
I will need to check it out. I have gotten all my books through yards sales over the last couple decades but they don't exist anymore for the most part, so I have been rereading books.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteGosh, I hadn't thought of that being a side effect of Covid but you are right. Come to think of it, haven't see any yard sale signs in a long time. Bummer.
I too have read that book and enjoyed it. Didn't know there was a movie... will check it out.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteI am pleasantly surprised how many have all ready read the book but it was a best seller. Djan said the movie was great too.
I follow D J on DJanity...and She has recommended several good books and movies I've thoroughly enjoyed. I've taken your title & mailed to myself & will order a hard copy today. (I still like having a book in my hand) This is one area of history I like reading. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteI think you will really enjoy it. It was a part of history I had no knowledge of and in fact surprised me a bit that it was so obscure.
Sounds like a good book. I've not been reading much lately, so perhaps this would be one to get me back into the habit.
ReplyDeleteLove your sign off. Take care and stay well.
Eileen,
DeleteYou are usually so busy, maybe it would give you a chance to just sit back a while.
I think in these days, those are two things to strive and hope for.
I must admit I thought I'd read a lot more than I have during lockdown. Sounds like a good book, although I don't read fiction. I think trying to stay safe is driving me insane.
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteI know that feeling exactly which is why I signed off that way. Who knew just being safe was to be a job?
ooh a recommendations - THANK YOU!! :-)
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteHope you get a chance to throw your feet up and enjoy. For now though, Go Yankees and Marlins. We are both playing our nemeses.
Because my time to read is so limited I put the movie in my queque. Hope to get to it eventually. Right now with the playoffs I am ensconced in games. We won game 1. Your boyfriend hit a grand slam in the 9th. Good time to start hitting I'd say! I will be watching you guys this afternoon from my desk. :-) I very much dislike the braves so let's go Marlins.
DeleteI'll mention the movie to David. We are not into books.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteDjan said the movie was great also.
I've heard about this book and after reading your review, I'm going to Amazon right now and see if I can get it on my Kindle. I've read some books lately that had me so disappointed at the end, I wish I hadn't wasted my time, but this one sounds good. Hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteI really don't think this one will disappoint. It is a book full of bravery, kindness and a people dealing well with an unpleasant situation.
This was a great book! My neighbor has a Guernsey bull. I often think of the book when I see him. So glad you read the crazy Swedish book too.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI didn't know till I read it that that is where the Guernsey originated. Also learned the Jersey cow came from the neighboring island of Jersey.
Yep I really enjoyed the 100 year old man.
I was thinking we saw this on Masterpiece Theater, but that must have been another, similar production. We did see the move and loved it.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI may just have to hunt down the movie also.
I remember when Djan mentioned it. I shall have to watch the movie. :)
ReplyDeleteRita,
DeleteI wish I had Netflix so I could watch it also. I may run into a copy.
Hi Patti
ReplyDeleteI never got to Guernsey, I did live on jersey for 3 years 1973 to 1976, Jersey is a bit bigger than Guernsey and both went through the war with German occupation I have seen many photos of the police dressed as the British police did in those times stood with German military, it was an interesting time for the Channel Islands, I came across Polish people who were the relatives of the Polish POW who were sent there to dig an underground hospital (I went in it)it was thought hospitals were not bombed so why build one under ground, I also have a photo of the Jessy Owen gold medal that found its way to Jersey during the war years after it was refused to be given to him, there are a lot of stories there on those Islands.
srgb,
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by with your first hand comment. I had no idea of the occupation till I read the book and really wasn't aware that Jersey was also occupied. What amazing stories are on those islands that we should all know about. Didn't know that at all about Jesse Owen. Wow, now I'd really like to visit the Channel Islands. Thank you.
Sounds interesting. Wonder if that's where the Guernsey cow breed comes from -- we had a couple when we lived in the country (Midwest) a couple years that were so loving.
ReplyDelete84 Charing Cross Road, also made into a movie, I think, is another delightful WWII story told in letters exchanged between an English bookseller and an American writer you might enjoy.
Joared,
DeleteYes they did and the Jersey cow came from the neighboring Channel Island of Jersey. It was new to me too.
Thanks for the recommendation. I will look for it.
I don't think this one will make it to my book list.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteSorry it turned you off. Different taste is what makes the world go round.
It was a charming movie with Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Courtney, and Michael (sp?)Huisman. We saw it on Amazon or Britbox.
ReplyDeletesmartcat,
DeleteI will have to look for it. I looked up the cast to see just who was playing whom. Would be nice to see them come to life.
Oh, I so loved that book. I read it some years ago now. I recently bought the Audible book to listen to while traveling. 💖
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteI am so delighted that so many have all ready read this book and enjoyed it.
Dear Patti, I read the book when it was first published and, like you, enjoyed it immensely. I haven't seen the movie, but maybe I can get it from the library. I don't have a Netflix membership, but I do have a Britbox and am now viewing so many British mysteries and dramas that haven't been shown here in the United States. Seventh heaven! Hope all is well. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteSo happy you read and enjoyed the book. Good idea to check the library though others have said they have found it on Britbox. That is a new one to me.
Yes! Yes! I loved the Guernsey movie! It was definitely a feel good movie. I love feel good movies. I don’t need to watch something to depress me. I read The 100 Year Old Man after I saw your recommendation, Patti. I LOVED it!!! I then saw the movie which I enjoyed too. Everyone should read that book.
ReplyDeleteKay,
DeleteYes, it is really a feel good book which we really need these days. Guess I am just going to have to see the movie now. So glad you also enjoyed the 100 Year Old Man.