Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The Guernsey Literacy Potato Peel Pie Society



I must say this book was interesting. I did not know it was a book of letters. And how the letters were written, I wish I could write as well with my thoughts. It was surprising how long (many years) the letter writing went on.
Terrible tragedy how the Germans came in and took over. Leading the people of Guernsey to believe they would treat them right. Red Cross even tried to help, so Germans threw them a bone and fed them. Amongst this the way to escape, through books. And there spark the attention of Juliet to write her next book. Here she found inspiration, friends, (family), and someone to love when she finally met these creative Guernsey people.

The stories she gathered, from the letters were funny at times. Telling Juliet how some weren't even interested in reading. But when one gets a hold of Wuthering Heights and says"I didn’t like Wuthering Heights at first, but the minute that specter, Cathy, scrabbled her bony fingers on the window glass—I was grasped"

One of the things that Juliet had mentioned was when going out with an American, Mark, she said"Americans especially- who seemed untouched by the war, or at least, un-mangled by it?" I guess one from another country as Juliet was England, has no idea what others from other countries think. That statement was off handed To me, since she is an author she should be more open minded. It was said "war is now the story of our lives, and there’s no subtracting it." Truth of everyone!
As a whole what I thought about the story, It was good. Love the letters that went back and forth with the Guernsey people and Juliet than Sidney. Love how Sidney and Sophie weighed in. I approve how Juliet and Dawsey relationship was going. And when Juliet finally got her story straight she found a strong woman, Elizabeth that was very much a part of the Guernsey people.

But what I didn't like was I think it was heavy handed with the Occupation. And the storyline was cut and flat at end. Very abrupt ending. I'm all for women being strong, but it could of had some depth to that. Speaking of characters not having any depth, a storyline can fall short.


And for that I give The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society 4