Resident bookworm, Sue Dawson, indulges in a nostalgic review of what life was like for the people of Guernsey during Nazi occupation in 1946 in Mary Ann Schaffer and Anne Burrows' novel - "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".

This is a really sweet story, written as letters to and from an author, her publisher, and the people of Guernsey.  Set in 1946, after the end of the war, author Juliet Ashton is looking for a subject for her book.  She becomes engrossed in the extraordinary story of the Nazi occupation of Guernsey during the war, and the untold hardships suffered by the population.

The correspondence between Juliet and the Club – which was formed on the spur of the moment to protect one of their members from arrest and interrogation by the Germans – is warm and human and covers pig farming, phrenology, literature  and a host of other subjects.  The main character is Elizabeth, whom we never meet, and for most of the book, her fate is a mystery.  There are sad moments obviously, but the story pays tribute to the courage and dignity with which the Islanders withstood their ordeal.

Eventually, Juliet decides to visit the Island and meet the Club Members.  What she finds there will change her life forever.

PS – If you want to know how The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society got its rather bizarre name I`m not going to spoil it for you – you`ll have to read the book!

This book costs 30 TL and is available from The Card Shop 2, Calis.

The Fethiye Times Book Review is written and sponsored by The Card Shop 2, Calis, where you can buy or order new books, exchange or pick up second hand books as well as find cards and other gifts.