The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Book Summary

Summary of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

A Brief Overview:

The novel - Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer showcases the post-World War II conditions and revolves around the central character – Juliet Ashton, who is on the lookout for her next big story. The author through Juliet, takes us to Guernsey Island and its literary society, occupied by the Germans during the war, while traversing the power of literature, connections, perseverance and love.                                                                                                                                                                         

Exchange of Letters

The novel starts by depicting a reviving England from Germany’s raid in World War II. The devastating aftermath is seen in Juliet – a humorous writer’s change in attitude. She no longer longs to write anecdotes high in spirits but wishes to curate serious stories. 

Her wish comes true when she receives a letter from Guernsey Island’s native – Dawsey Adams. It is through his letter, that Juliet learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. 

Over multiple exchanges of letters with the members of the society, she learnt about the German occupation and the way the literary society combated it with the help of friendship and books. 

Formation of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – An Alibi

Wondering how the literary society landed up with such an absurd name? Well, it was formed on the spot. An alibi that spared the lives of the innocents, the founding members – Dawsey Adam, Amelia Maugrey, Eben Ramsey, Isola Pribby, John Booker, Elizabeth McKenna and Will Thisbee, all of whom gathered secretly for a pig roast party during German’s curfew. 

Unfortunately, many of them got caught by German soldiers. To save everyone, Elizabeth McKenna spontaneously thought – of a literary society as a perfect alibi. 

However, Will Thisbee, a die-hard foodie with no interest in books, brings potato peel pie to the meetings. And that’s what lends the literary society its second half of the name.

Literature’s Healing Power

Although born out of compulsion, society embraced the power of literature to deal with their circumstances during the war as well as in post-war conditions. Each one of them took refuge in books. 

Be it Dawsey Adams’ - Charles Lamb, Amelia’s – Pickwick Papers or Isola Pribby’s – Wuthering Heights, every character’s personality is portrayed through the books they pick.

Similarly, Juliet’s love for writing unites her with the members of society. She gains a whole new perspective. 

The World War II and Aftermath of Guernsey Island – German Occupation

Through letters, Juliet learns about the German occupation, their torture and how their invasion made the lives of Guernsey – a living hell. 

Juliet gets more insight into the German occupation when she visits Guernsey Island. She understood their perseverance speaks volumes of how they dealt with the dark times and their trauma.

Unexpected Attachments: Connections of the Community

Despite being neighbors, there were no strong attachments as a community on Guernsey Island. However, the out-of-the-blue literary society formed beautiful connections in the novel. 

Besides their interconnectedness, Juliet also unexpectedly became an integral part of the literary society. The more she mingled, the more she resonated with them.

Love Pervades All

Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer sum up the novel by making one thing clear – love pervades all. Even in such a gruesome period, love found its way.

Juliet and Dawsey are drawn to each other. Although they face misunderstandings and obstacles, ultimately they unite and celebrate each other. 

The novel through its well-written characters and storyline, proves that the good human spirit always triumphs over bad times.