The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: About the Book #book2movies [review]

There are so many things I loved about this book; not the least of which is the historical aspect. I really appreciated the version I read on my Nook because it had the extra feature of being able to click on links for further reading without leaving the book.  It's just so fascinating - and horrifying - to learn how World War II impacted the tiny island of Guernsey. Imagine living on this tiny island in the English channel and being able to see the the Germans as they invaded France! And worse, being occupied by the Germans for the duration of the war.  The British decided not to bother defending the island; they decided it was unimportant militarily and gave it up without a fight. Which meant troops of Germans everywhere, curfews and very strict rationing. The threat of being shipped off to concentration and or work camps was never far away. For their own safety, many of the island's children were evacuated to the English countryside where they had to live with complete strangers, while their parents remained on Guernsey, missing them desperately.

What an amazing setting for this book of letters to and from a celebrated author, Juliet Ashton, and the members of the Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, a group initiallly formed in an effort to fool the Germans into thinking its members had been discussing books rather than roasting a verbotin pig!
I was constantly asking people if one, they knew where Guernsey was and two, did they know that this tiny British island had been occupied by the Germans for five years during World War II? That when they first arrived the Germans would walk four and five abreast down the streets like they owned the place?  The very idea makes me shiver!
Reading the letters was a little distracting at first; I found myself having to go back and read the salutation to know who was writing to Juliet. Trying to form a mental picture of the person wasn't so easy until Juliet finally went to Guernsey herself. Thank God! At that point everything jelled and I really began to feel deeply for each and every character. I was jealous that Juliet got to go and visit the island and experience this wonderful motley crew for herself! I found the love story aspect predictable - deliciously so! The writers followed the recipe and ended up with a beautiful little souffle and I enjoyed every mouthful ... much more than I would have enjoyed potato peel pie I am sure!
The cast of characters in this novel based on historical fact is compelling from its major to minor characters. And knowing it will be a film makes them even more exciting to contemplate.

Juliet, the writer, is vivacious, independent-minded, bright, warmhearted and curious about the islanders and their experience. At this point, she's the only one cast. Branagh has selected Kate Winslet to play the role.Sidney, her longtime friend and publisher, adores  her. Is there something more than friendship there? If we are doing famous actors here, I think Hugh Grant would be perfect.

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Dawsey Adams, is the strong silent and irrisistable type. Frankly we know almost from page 1 that he and Juliet will end up together but for me it didn't make the journey there any less wonderful. I am banking on Colin Firth.

Elizabeth, the heroic woman we only hear stories of is simply epic. The bravery of her actions - from her choice of romantic partner to how she stands up for what she knows is right truly is the stuff legends are made of. She is sent to Ravensbrook for her crimes. Hmm. Strong and important part. Cate Blanchett?

Kit, Elizabeth's daughter, adorable, stubborn and precocious. The society is basically raising her, hoping for Elizabeths' return to the island. They need a Brit version of the cute little girl in We Bought A Zoo.

Mark Reynolds is rich, powerful, handsome and smoothly confident. he's the American publisher who begins wooing Juliet professionally but soon starts to court her personally. Juliet is torn in terms of her feelings as well as what she wants to do with her life. In London, life with Mark is non-stop glamour. He wants her on his arm, sharing that life and is less than understanding about her interest in these people and the book she wants to write about them. Aaron Eckhardt?

Amelia Maughery is a central figure, an older woman and the semi matriarch of the group. Judi Dench?
Minorcharacters include Christian (Juliet's handsome German love interest and Kit's father), Sophie (Sidney's sister and Juliet's best friend), Isola (the slightly batty villager is the comic relief who is always discovering something new - from brewing up herbs to learning about phrenology- what do you think of Toni Collette?  )
Eben and Eli  (grandfather and his grandson who was sent to England- his mother Jane died giving birth and was Elizabeth's best friend) Tom Wilkerson
Remy, the French woman Elizabeth befriends while imprisoned. ???