The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer and Barrows

# Of book read so far this year: 8
Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Year Published: 2008
Rating (1-10): 10
Date Finished: 02/20/09
Genre: Historical Fiction, Epistolary
# Of pages: 277
Where did the book come from: PBS (Also one loaned to me by Lonny C.)

Blurb: “ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature and book lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

My Comments: What a magnificent book of letters! I came to love this book so much that I only allowed myself to read one letter per evening, until I could no longer stand it and gobbled it up at the end. It was well researched, and it truly feels as though the reader is living in the era spoken of in the letters. I felt joy and grief, hope and anticipation as I read these letters. The ending was most satisfying and a relief, as the reader begins to understand what is going on. The characters are all delightful and eccentric, and I want to live in Guernsey and be their friend. I want to know them all personally! Such a wonderful book, very highly recommended!

Mary Ann Shaffer (Author) - Mary Ann Shaffer died before she finished the book. Her neice Annie Barrows, having worked with Mary Ann prior to her demise, completed the novel. She did an amazing job pinch-hitting for her aunt.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

# Of book read so far this year: 5
Title: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Author: David Wroblewski
Narrator: Richard Poe
Year Published: 2008
Rating (1-10): 10
Date Finished: 01/26/09
Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction
# Of pages: 576, 21 hrs 45 min.
Where did the book come from: Audible.com
Series: N/A

Blurb: Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life on his family's farm in remote northern Wisconsin where they raise and train an extraordinary breed of dog. But when tragedy strikes, Edgar is forced to flee into the vast neighboring wilderness, accompanied by only three yearling pups. Struggling for survival, Edgar comes of age in the wild, and must face the choice of leaving forever or revealing the terrible truth behind what has happened

David Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes--the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain--create a riveting family saga, a brilliant exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic.


My Comments: As a sign language interpreter and one who is familiar with the deaf culture, I took a great interest in this story. As it turns out, Edgar was not a part of any deaf community, but that’s okay. It didn’t matter, in the end. If I had known just how long it really would take to get through it, I probably would have been too daunted by it. I’m so glad I chose it from Audible.com!

This is truly a family saga and an epic tale, and I have no doubt it will become a classic. I was really amazed that I was kept so interested as it took nearly 22 hours of listening to get through it. It is written vividly and with real emotional impact. It has a bit of the paranormal in it, but only a bit – just enough to make it interesting. I found it to be a compelling read (well, okay, “listen”) and was always eager to get back to it. I felt that Edgar was someone that I knew, and so many times I wanted to help him out or give him advice. At times the prose is almost lyrical. It is a story I will not soon forget, and it made me view my own dogs in a new light. This is a book that made me go hunting for more information, both about the book itself and the author. It is a must read – but bear in mind it is definitely a big book and it’s going to take you some time investment to read it. Worth it!