Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I confess, being around books as much as I am has made me jaded and vaguely suspicious of almost everything I read. Very rarely do I get excited about reading something enough to wholeheartedly recommend it. Having said that, READ THIS BOOK. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is simply wonderful. The story takes place on Guernsey island in 1946, shortly after its liberation from Nazi occupation and is told through correspondence between a young English writer and the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The society was formed during the war to protect its members from German attention since the Nazis professed to "encouraging the arts" wherever they invaded, even as they forced the inhabitants of the area into slavery. The writer, Juliet, is drawn into the club - and eventually joins - when one of the members finds a book by Charles Lamb and tracks it to its former owner, Juliet, who considers the club's story for her next article. One by one, the Literary Society relates their own stories, eventually revealing a common thread: the spunky and brave co-founder of the club, Elizabeth McKenna. Through a shared love of literature, the group summons the strength to survive the stress of Nazi occupation, courage to take a stand, and even finds compassion for their tormentors. I loved the way this book was written, so reminiscent of Sue Monk Kidd, in lush description, tearful revelation and ballsy humor. I don't laugh out loud very often when I read (especially when there are Nazis involved), but this book was a surprising exception. Sadly, the first-time author, Mary Ann Shaffer, passed away before the book was completed and her niece, Annie Barrows, stepped in to finish the task. I think Ms. Shaffer would have been pleased with how it turned out, further confirmation that love and friendship endures no matter how strenuous the circumstances. I loved this book so much I'll even forgive the vile description of Potato Peel pie - potato pie flavored with sweet potatoes and a crispy peel topping - and chalk up this culinary horror to war rationing. Nonetheless, this novel remains a tasty morsel for book clubs everywhere.