Awakenings of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows in which the writer Juliet Ashton falls for Guernsey. This island was occupied by Germany in World War II. She gets a letter about an old book she owned from a stranger named Dawsey. Juliet continues to receive letters from Dawsey Adams and learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, an island book club. Juliet’s interest in these islands grows as she receives letters from other members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Characters in the story experience changes of attitude and awakenings that influence their decisions.
Juliet starts dating Mark Reynolds while still in London. Mark Reynolds is a visiting American publisher. Mark takes Juliet on lavish dates and dinners, something she enjoys because it is not possible for her to afford these things in these difficult times. Mark proposes to Juliet after two months of dating. She discovers she’s attracted not to Mark, but rather his wealth. She realizes that they are not compatible, and no matter how rich or handsome he is, she can’t have a relationship with him. Mark is no longer patient and will not take a no for an answer. We belong to each other. It’s not fair to tell you that I think I know the best thing for you. However, in this particular case, I really do.
Juliet’s interest in the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society grows quickly after she receives a letter from Dawsey. She begins writing to other members and is fascinated by their story. She quickly learns that Elizabeth, the founding member of this society, is one of its most compelling members. Elizabeth’s story grows with each letter Juliet receives. As punishment for saving the life of a Polish slave, Elizabeth was expelled from Guernsey. Later on, islanders learned that she had been killed in a concentration camps while trying to help someone else. Juliet is so captivated by these stories, she decides to visit Guernsey. Juliet’s new experience in Guernsey is the feeling that she belongs. They all become closer after the death. Juliet, wanting to experience this feeling again, agrees that she will take care of Elizabeth’s child, Kit. She treats her daughter as if it were her own and quickly falls for her. She spends a lot of time with Dawsey. They talk as if the two have been friends for ages. Juliet is now able to see Guernsey as her home, despite only having lived there for two months. She tells us that she’d never marry Mark or anyone who doesn’t love Kit or Guernsey …”.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a story about characters who make life changing decisions due to awakenings and changes of attitude brought on by changes in their environment and others’ actions. Juliet had a very unhappy life before she wrote to Dawsey. She was without many friends, and she struggled to think of a topic to write about. Juliet realizes after leaving Mark that her glamorous life isn’t what she wants. She realized that she was missing something when the members of the society welcomed her to Guernsey. That feeling of belonging. Juliet’s love for Dawsey shows us that sometimes, we find love in the most unexpected places.
