Lady of letters

    

Mary Ann Shaffer's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is an utter joy of a book, beautifully judged, witty, lively, almost Mitfordesque at times, sparky, extremely touching, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
     In early 1946 the popular writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a Guernsey farmer, who happens to have acquired a book she once owned. So begins an extraordinary correspondence between Juliet and the various members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society to which the shy but dependable Dawsey belongs, and in which the details  - both funny and tragic - of the German occupation of the island come to light.    
     So enamoured is Juliet of her new pen-friends and the life that they describe that she determines to write her next book about the island in wartime and she takes up residence there to begin her research. She soon realises that the person who should be at the book's heart is the one islander she has yet to meet: the spirited, much-loved Elizabeth McKenna, transported to a concentration camp for her bravery and defiance in the face of the enemy, leaving behind her infant daughter Kit  - to whom Juliet becomes close - and the secret of the child's paternity. 

 
     Written in epistolary form (and it does bear comparison with Helene Hanff's wonderful 84 Charing Cross Road), the book is both a love story and an unemotionally honest picture of its subject matter, but yet it has a light touch and is full of distinct and engaging characters such as Isola Pribby with her passion for the Brontes and her homemade potions, John Booker the wine-loving valet who's a fan of Seneca, Jonas Skeeter and his dim view of Marcus Aurelius : "...[he] was an old woman - always taking his mind's temperature...." and Clovis Fossey, who is much taken with poetry since joining the Society, and writes "Mrs. Maugery lent me a book last week. It's called The Oxford Book of Modern Verse, 1892-1935. They let a man named Yeats make the choosings. They shouldn't have. Who is he - and what does he know about verse?"   
     Sadly, Mary Ann Shaffer died earlier this year; her legacy is this simply lovely book which has been a great pleasure to read.

Comments

[Claire]

Am library bound today. To salve my conscience and save my credit card will order it there. Looks fascinating. Thank you again!

[Tara]

I have seen this book around but your review solidifies it - I must put this on the wish list. Thank you for the review.

[Giulia]

Dear Cornflower,

I found you mentioned Capuchin Classics a couple of months ago, so I wanted you to know what now we have our own blog, and would really like to make it into a discussion community:

thecapuchinclassicsblog.blogspot.com

I hope to see you there and hear what you think about any of the books you've read, or any books you'd like to be kept alive!

Giulia

[Simon T]

I knew you'd love this, Karen - how could you not? Elaine at Random Jottings recommmended it to me, and it's one of my favourite books this year. Can't wait til it's published and everyone can join in the fun!

[Kate]

I haven't heard of this book before but it sounds lovely... I was reminded of "84 Charing Cross Road" as soon as I started reading your description. It's definitely going on my to-be-read list.

This is my first visit to your blog, it's wonderful... great book suggestions!

[Margaret Powling]

It is on my wish list but now I feel tempted into buying it. If it's like 84 CCR then I shall enjoy it!
PS to the Jean Brodie comments: I've managed to secure a swap on Read it Swap it for a copy (hopefully the 1973 paperback with the lovely cover you have shown). Oh, and I like the new cornflower photograph at the top of your blog!

[sherry]

I have been hearing about this book. I can't wait until I can get my hands on it. But wait I must, since it has not been released yet.

[Loretta]

I had just preordered this at Amazon over the weekend after I saw it in your sidebar. Thanks!

[Nan]

It sounds dear, and wonderful. Thank you. I should never have heard of it, if not for you.

[Danielle]

I'm just waiting for a library copy of this one...can't wait to read it!

[Elaine]

This is a strong candidate for my book of the year. Please note I have three copies hot off the press to give away and will be posting about this tomorrow!!