on my nightstand – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This is the perfect book to curl up with especially on a dreadfully cold and rainy spring weekend in April. I finished reading awhile ago, but the dreadfully cold and rainy spring weekend brought it to mind. Rather than re-reading however, I am curled with a cup of tea ready to write a review – almost just as good.

The book is written by Mary Ann Shaffer who passed away before it was finished. Her niece Annie Barrows picked up where it was left off and successfully completed the manuscript for publication.  The book is written in letters giving it quaint voyeuristic charm – as strange as that may sound – carring the reader through Juliet Ashton’s fascination with the unique, witty, and occasionally eccentric people of Guernsey.

Guernsey is an island within the English Channel that has a very unique history including its involvement in World War II. Officially, it’s not part of the United Kingdom, but instead it’s considered a separate possession of the Crown. Evidently, that means that it does not fall under British Law, but its defense is the responsibility of the UK.

During World War II the island was occupied by German Troops who hoped to invade England. Just before the troops arrived, many children were evacuated to England. Some lived with relatives, some with strangers. Some were reunited with their families after the war and some of the children never returned.

While that may not sound like the premise for a lovely “feel-good” story, I promise this book is better than comfort food on a stormy day. It was however; way too girly for Tim, as much as I thought he would enjoy the history, his masculinity would not allow him to read past the first letter. So it’s four and a half stars for me and a “you have got to be kidding me” look from him.

Give it a try and let me know what you think –  Happy Reading!