Lost in a Good Book

Published: 29 July 2008 (print)/23rd August 2018 (audio)
Publisher: Dial Press/Random House Audio Publishing Group
Pages: 291/8 hrs and 06 mins
Narrator: Juliet Mills, Susan Duerden, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, Paul Boehmer
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Historical
★   ★   ★   ★ – 4 Stars

“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 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.

From what starts as a fun exchange of letters around a society that grew from occupation come stories of what life was like under that occupation and the cruelty of war. In between societal mishaps sand scandal there are stories of betrayal and dalliances with the enemy. Shaffer and Barrows have created a great story out of this series of letters and it’s well done in the timeline that we still get a cohesive story naturally.

I have a vague recollection of seeing at least part of the movie but I might have to revisit it because I would be interested in seeing how this was adapted because as brutally honest and charming as the book is, it would be curious to see it play out.

The multiple characters works well because different pieces of information and events can be conveyed to different people. Friends and relatives get some parts, correspondence with agents, acquaintances and new friends develop the story further. It’s well done and each character shines through with their letters.

It’s wonderfully reminiscence of the era in which it is set: relief from the war, society coming back again with rations and coupons, the ease at which you can make your own schedule and walk around carefree. There are also the memories of a recent time where they were under occupation, kids were sent away, and the things seen unable to be forgotten. The balance between the good times now, the strength and creativity of the war, as well as the hardships is a great exploration of human perseverance and adaptability.

Juliet is a great character. Her determination and her intellect is wonderful and it’s a shame to have to deal with Mark who wants to quash that and tell her he knows what’s best. As she gets to know the people of the island better she blends in well with their life – they are as enamoured with her as she is them. I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of her actions later in the book – especially around Kit, but by the end they make it work. The ludicrous entitlement from Juliet to even think she could carry off her initial plan was disgraceful.

I loved how even as the story become more involved the letters format still worked. It never felt unnatural or forced in the information being provided and of course personal correspondence tend to outline all events that happen as well. It was also great to see how often mail used to be delivered in that such news could be carried so efficiently.

I’m glad this book didn’t disappoint because it’s bee on my list for so long I was worried it would fall flat but thankfully the story and the characters were delightful and even through the minimalist nature of letters they come alive on the page.

The audiobook was a great storyteller too. All the narrators do a fantastic job and the epistolary nature helped with the storytelling aspect. Certainly different than having emails read out which in audio form can break the spell a little.

You can purchase The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society via the following

QBD |  Dymocks | Booktopia

Wordery |  Blackwell’s | Angus & Robertson

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible