Sunday, August 26, 2012

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

Summary:
Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

My original review, July 3, 2009: 4 looks
This book started slowly for me. However, once I truly entered the worlds of Juliet, Dawsey, Amelia and Elizabeth...I was enamored. And to feel these two worlds, nee, three worlds, come together was as sweet to me as any freshly plucked fruit. Presented as letters, telling the story of people, relationships, situations and war...my trip to Guernsey was a lovely one.

Today's review: 5 looks
It's not often that a book will cause me to re-read. This book was even more delightful the second time around. Perhaps it is the three year lapse between readings, but I found the characters, setting and story to be fresh.

I want to be Juliet! She is smart, winsome, unpretentious and follows her heart. My friend Debbie gave me the greatest compliment when, as she was reading the book, texted to tell me that I WAS Juliet to her!What an altogether lovely thing to say.

The format of letters telling the story is a unique one, and tends to put people off a bit, but there is a natural rhythm in the reading; and, while it is heavy with characters, the story lines are so clearly followed that I experienced no confusion at all. I began jotting down names and attributes in the beginning but quickly abandoned this as unnecessary.

I am increasing my review from 4 looks to 5 because this is a delightful read, a treasure to own, one that I will read again, and highly recommend.

1 comment:

  1. I actually want to read this one in print. I listened to the audio and loved it.

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