Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 1298
 Historical fiction account (in the form of letters) of the five-year WWII German occupation of Guernsey, an English Channel isle September 3, 2010
Julee Rudolf (Oak Harbor, WA USA)
Although not a fan of historical fiction in general, I liked this story about an author who dumb-luckily gets connected to an island full of colorful characters, learns a lot about its occupation (by the Germans) during WWII, and gains long-term, life-changing relationships with some of its inhabitants. The story starts slowly, as its main character, author Juliet Ashton, shares potential subject ideas with her long time friend and publisher, Sidney Stark. Fluke-like, she soon gets connected with Dawsey Adams, an island of Guernsey resident, with whom she continues to correspond. As she's in the process of trying to track down her next writing topic, Adams easily intrigues her with tidbits about islanders' occupation-era experiences. Her interest gradually increases, as does the number of Guernseyans with whom she corresponds in order to learn all she can about the occupation's effect on the island's inhabitants. Things get really good when she takes a trip to visit her newfound friends.
Information about the occupation and the character development make the book a worthwhile read, but it has its flaws (alert - semi-spoiler ahead), the primary one being that the ultimate intended object of Ashton's affections (which even I, Ms. Oblivious, figured out at page 9) was too obvious, making the author's attempts to direct readers' attentions toward another entirely unsuitable suitor a waste of time. In spite of that (and another totally-saw-it-coming incident involving Billee Bee), TGLaPPPS is still a decent read. Also interesting: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo, Suite Francais by Irene Nemirovsky and Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn.
 A history lesson and a sheer delight of a book! September 3, 2010
Linda Linguvic (New York City)
This novel is not only a fine book to read. It also taught me something. During WW2, the British Channel island of Guernsey was occupied by the Germans. This experience with all its horrors is brought to light in this delightful book. Yes, I said this book is delightful in spite of its subject matter. This is because of the skill of the authors, librarian Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece Annie Barrows. Set in 1946, right after the end of the war, it consists of a series of letters between Juliet, a strongly opinionated and rather witty British journalist and a whole series of people, especially the residents of Guernsey. The letters vary in length and really display the authors' skill in evoking a time and a place. This is history with fictional characters, each one endearing and unique, and the narrative flows so well that it was hard to put the book down.
I loved the characters, especially the narrator, as everything is viewed through her eyes. It starts with a letter she receives from a gentleman living in Guernsey asking her to find a certain book for him in a London bookstore. Now that the war is over, he is free to write letters and he describes his book club, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society", which was thought up one night after a few people were caught after curfew by the Nazis and one enterprising woman in the group made up the name on the spot as an excuse for them being out so late. During the years of occupation, this group met regularly, discussing books and supporting each other through the dreadfulness of the occupation.
Each member of the group has correspondence with Juliet and Juliet has correspondence with her literary agent as well as his sister who is her best friend. Each of these people come alive through their letters and it doesn't take long to be drawn into the story. Eventually, Juliet visits Guernsey and the story develops more and more, actually giving details of some of the brutality as well an understanding of the Germans, just young soldiers who were also caught up in a war they didn't create. I particularly liked this aspect of the book, which was written in 2008 and could not have had the same tone if it was really written in 1946 when the wounds of war were still hurting. However, I must say that the authors got the tone of 1946 just right --- before computers and cell phones and even copying machines.
I loved this book and read it quickly. I think the use of correspondence instead of straight narrative was a brilliant idea. It is a sheer delight and I urge you not to miss it.
 Just okay September 1, 2010
Lila (USA)
I was somewhat disappointed in this book, I expected more. It was like ordering dark rich chocolate and eating milk chocolate instead. It was ok, but lacking in richness and depth.
 A disappointment August 27, 2010
qwicwted (Castro Valley, CA)
I was really looking forward to reading this book, but from the first page I was disappointed. It took 70 pages to get into the book and it is only 288 pages. The ending was abrupt and I didn't think there was any real story or sustenance. The concept was a real good one, but I thought a lot more could have been done with the book and the development of characters. Interestingly, I thought it might just be me, but it seems that everyone I have mentioned this book to felt the same way - some didn't even stick with it - so I am somewhat confused as to why such positive reviews. Oh well.
Charming! August 26, 2010
F. Burke (Houston, TX)
This book is just so delightful, despite dealing with such a difficult time period and some very serious subjects. The characters are vivid, the prose is crisp, and the pages turn themselves. I found myself carefully reading the extras (the addendum, dedications, etc) and then rereading it immediately to find out if I missed anything. I highly recommend it.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 1298
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