I have just read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I'm not sure how I was first introduced to it but, as I said recently, I had a feeling it was through Monica or Meike. Anyway someone mentioned it on Meike's blog recently and I decided that as I bought it a while ago it was time to read it. It's not a long read. It is, however, a very good read.
Of course that's a very subjective statement. The book, set in 1946, is written in the form of letters between the person who can be regarded as the central character/narrator, her friends and people on Guernsey who have lived through the German occupation of the Island and who formed the literary society which forms the title of the book.
The book was published in 2008 and according to the many positive reviews it was well received.
Once I had started the book I couldn't put it down (for long) but I have to say that the first part was far more compelling and promised more than about the last third provided.
One of the things that kept me going though was some absolutely splendid quotations which, as always, are better in context than on their own:
Early on in the book: That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment. True not just of books but of blogs too.
I much prefer whining to counting my blessings.
Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.
....'Life goes on.' What nonsense, I though, of course it doesn't. It's death that goes on. Ian is dead now and will be dead tomorrow and next year and for ever. There's no end to that. But perhaps there will be an end to the sorrow of it.Sorrow has rushed over the world like the waters of the Deluge, and it will take time to recede.
I love, love, love this book, Mr. Edwards. Read it years ago and have wanted to visit Guernsey ever since.
ReplyDeleteWell, Mrs Thyme, dream though it may be I hope that it is realised.
DeleteI loved this book too, GB. "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books." So true. About a month ago, I read a best seller which had been highly recommended to me. Last week, I saw it on a table in the book store and thought, "I'm sure I've read that, but I have no idea what it's about." I had to pick it up and flip through it and read a few bits before I remembered. I think my copy is one I can safely donate to the charity shop without worrying about wanting to re-read it! xoxox DeeDee
ReplyDeleteDeeDee I'm glad that you, too, enjoyed this book. I've got to the stage now that if I don't like a book when I start it then I ditch it. I'd never have read some Dostoyevsky in my younger years if I'd taken that view then!
DeleteSorrow like the waves; like the tides, ebbs and flows. Sorrow like life...goes on.
ReplyDeleteReading good books is so good; it's too bad they're such good time wasters. But then there's nothing bad about spending time reading a good book.
Time enjoyed is never time wasted Lee. Leastways that's my simplistic view. Dolce far niente. I'll blog.
DeleteI read it years ago and loved it. It came to mind for me again when Meike visited another of the channel islands recently. So I know I mentioned it then. First time I read it I think was when I had recently started blogging. I've made friends through exchange of letters all my life, and since 2009 through blogs. :)
ReplyDeleteMonica I agree they are wonderful ways to make and nurture friendships.
DeleteSounds like a good read indeed with feedback from your readers to back that up.
ReplyDeleteYes Carol, it does look like that doesn't it?
DeleteThese are awesome quotes. I must look for this book.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot more quotable quotes than those Red.
DeleteThank you for mentioning my blog here, Graham. You know, I've never been quite sure I have actually read this book; if so, it must have been some years ago, before I started posting a review of every book I read on my blog. But the title and summary sounds so familiar I think I may have read - then again, from your quotes, maybe not. There is only one way to find out for sure: I have to (re-)read it!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Meike you'll just have to have another go, I expect you'd finish it in a couple of evenings.
DeleteIt sounds like a great read...I will put it on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a book in ages....not since I read so many blogs now.
Virginia, blogging has eaten into my book reading too I'm sad to say.
DeleteIt seems to be very well written if the quotes are anything to go by. I had always thought it must be by Alexander McCall Smith whose work I just can't really get into. He has titles like that. But I'll have a look next time I'm in Waterstones!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting Jenny. I do enjoy some of AMS's books: particularly the Sunday Philosophy Club series.
DeleteSounds a good read. I like the quotes too.
ReplyDeleteWell, Diane, the proof would be in the reading.
DeleteI can't tell you how many people have told me to read this book! It does sound very much like one that I would enjoy. It has now moved to the top of the list of you know, all the books I want to read!
ReplyDeleteHere's a joke for you...What did the grapes say when they were stomped on?
Nothing, they just let out a little wine. (whine!) HA!!
Of course, Kay, just because everyone says you should read it doesn't mean that you will like it. Somehow, though, I think you will. The joke? Very punny.
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