A blog reviewing mystery books, with a listing of Saskatchewan mysteries, and a sprinkling of non-fiction books, especially history and biographies
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
38. - 501.) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – Journalist and author Juliet Ashton has been worn out by WW II. Early in 1946, as she is traveling around England promoting her collection of war columns, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams in Gurnsey who has read a book of essays by Charles Lamb that she had once owned and is writing to her to see if she can provide him with more information on Lamb. He mentions a roast pig dinner brought about the creation of the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society during the German occupation. Thus begins a correspondence that swiftly expands to other members of the Society. Juliet is enchanted and fascinated by the stories of the Society. The book is written in the form of letters between the characters. (It is a type of book I could write for it does not use dialogue to tell the story.) Searching for the theme of a new book and retained by the Times to write a series of articles on reading and books she is drawn to the Guernsey Society. On the island she is captured by the members of the Society – Isola (maker of potions), Dawsey (farmer / quarryman / labourer), Amelia (a favourite form of Aunt), Eben (woodcarver). Will (inventor of potato peel pie and electric clothespins) and Kit (the 4 year old daughter of Elizabeth and a German Army doctor). Juliet is fascinated by the brave and outspoken Elizabeth who has been taken to a concentration camp for helping harbour an escaped Todt worker and is one of Europe’s missing millions. The Londoner Juliet joyfully abandons herself to Guernsey life. The stories of the Occupation are by turn – sad, uplifting, heart wrenching. All are vivid. The book took abit of time to get my interest but once the letters from Guernsey started coming I was captivated. The members of the Society are so vivid you long to attend a meeting. I rushed from page to page longing, sometimes fearing, to know what happened next or in the past. There is no manufactured drama. There are the mini dramas of everyday life during a great war. I was reminded of growing up at Meskanaw amidst such a close knit community. It is a wonderful experience to be taken to a world of colourful new characters. I was reminded of the series of stories from the Hebrides written by Lillian Beckwith. After the grimness of A Most Wanted Man it was good to read a book of the triumph of the human spirit. The use of letters, sometimes within the same day, reminded me how we currently use email and texting to communicate in writing. I expect a generation from now there will be an equally captivating book about email exchanges. A great book. I did wonder about the lack of a Resistance organization on Guernsey. (Sept. 19/09) (Second Most Intersting of 2009)
Bill - What a fascinating look at different life stories! And what an interesting way to share those stories. I love those personal mini-dramas, as they often tell the stories of great events far better than "larger" dramas, if you understand my meaning. Thanks so much for your thoughtful review of this book; it sounds very appealing, especially for the history buff in me :-).
Dorte: When a day comes along you are feeling discouraged, maybe even depressed abit, about the frustrations of life I recommend you pick up this book and start reading.
38. - 501.) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – Journalist and author Juliet Ashton has been worn out by WW II. Early in 1946, as she is traveling around England promoting her collection of war columns, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams in Gurnsey who has read a book of essays by Charles Lamb that she had once owned and is writing to her to see if she can provide him with more information on Lamb. He mentions a roast pig dinner brought about the creation of the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society during the German occupation. Thus begins a correspondence that swiftly expands to other members of the Society. Juliet is enchanted and fascinated by the stories of the Society. The book is written in the form of letters between the characters. (It is a type of book I could write for it does not use dialogue to tell the story.) Searching for the theme of a new book and retained by the Times to write a series of articles on reading and books she is drawn to the Guernsey Society. On the island she is captured by the members of the Society – Isola (maker of potions), Dawsey (farmer / quarryman / labourer), Amelia (a favourite form of Aunt), Eben (woodcarver). Will (inventor of potato peel pie and electric clothespins) and Kit (the 4 year old daughter of Elizabeth and a German Army doctor). Juliet is fascinated by the brave and outspoken Elizabeth who has been taken to a concentration camp for helping harbour an escaped Todt worker and is one of Europe’s missing millions. The Londoner Juliet joyfully abandons herself to Guernsey life. The stories of the Occupation are by turn – sad, uplifting, heart wrenching. All are vivid. The book took abit of time to get my interest but once the letters from Guernsey started coming I was captivated. The members of the Society are so vivid you long to attend a meeting. I rushed from page to page longing, sometimes fearing, to know what happened next or in the past. There is no manufactured drama. There are the mini dramas of everyday life during a great war. I was reminded of growing up at Meskanaw amidst such a close knit community. It is a wonderful experience to be taken to a world of colourful new characters. I was reminded of the series of stories from the Hebrides written by Lillian Beckwith. After the grimness of A Most Wanted Man it was good to read a book of the triumph of the human spirit. The use of letters, sometimes within the same day, reminded me how we currently use email and texting to communicate in writing. I expect a generation from now there will be an equally captivating book about email exchanges. A great book. I did wonder about the lack of a Resistance organization on Guernsey. (Sept. 19/09) (Second Most Intersting of 2009)
Bill - What a fascinating look at different life stories! And what an interesting way to share those stories. I love those personal mini-dramas, as they often tell the stories of great events far better than "larger" dramas, if you understand my meaning. Thanks so much for your thoughtful review of this book; it sounds very appealing, especially for the history buff in me :-).
ReplyDeleteMargot: It is a beguiling book that will make you want to get on the next plane to Guernsey.
ReplyDeleteWe gave this book to our daughter last year, and she keeps telling me I should read it too. I know she is right, I just don´t know when ;)
ReplyDeleteDorte: When a day comes along you are feeling discouraged, maybe even depressed abit, about the frustrations of life I recommend you pick up this book and start reading.
ReplyDelete