A BOOK REVIEW

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
(spoiler free!)

I've started taking up reading again! Now that lil man is sleeping at night, I can actually crack open a book and comprehend words on a page. Holding lil man while he nurses or naps is the perfect time to read.

I just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Its a historical fiction set in 1946 England, just after WWII has ended.

Pros

• Setting and content. I don't know much about England after WWII... during WWII... or, anything about England's history at all. This was a fascinating look at the Channel Islands, which fell under German occupation during the war. I enjoyed learning about this corner of the world - the community there was truly a family.
• Characters. Enjoyed the characters. Felt like they were my real friends. Also they had pretty cool names.
• Writing style. Beautiful, clear writing about the sea, fresh air, and cozy homes. I liked the authors' vocabulary. Easy to read - almost comforting, if that makes sense.
• Humor. There were some really snappy, witty, British-y one-liners in there. Some highly amusing back-and-forth between the main character and one of her suitors.

Cons

• Epistolary format. This novel is comprised completely of letters that the characters write to each other. I didn't mind it as much as I thought... but I still don't love it. Constant mental switching was involved (who's this character again, and what did they last write about?). Also, some characters stopped writing letters (their activity was just described by the main character in her own letters), and I missed hearing from them. I really wish that the authors had given each character a more specific tone and style. All the letters are pretty much the same in this respect, so it's like a missed opportunity for characterization. Also, it's only divided into parts 1 and 2, and sometimes it just went on and on. More division may have been helpful. 
• Predictable plot. I could see what was coming from a mile away. I never try to predict the plot or try to "figure out the story" when I read, so... if it was easy for me to do so without trying, that's not good.
• A couple rather strange plot elements. I can't really describe this without giving it away. One specific time I thought... yea this would never happen.

Worth noting: as a WWII novel... there are some sad parts. The authors contain the sadness to a couple of stories that are fairly difficult to read. Otherwise, the novel focuses on the characters healing after the war, and the main tone is uplifting.

Overall, this was a pleasant enough book. I wanted to like it more, but I couldn't get over the letter format. It did have a certain charm to it, though.

The Verdict:  5/10

FAVORITE FIVE

My Favorite Five Children's Books

In a regular rotation, I go back and read books from my childhood. Though many are dear to me here are my five favorites.:)

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Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards (1971)
Sweet in the purest meaning of the word. Every time I read it, I'm swept away by what I call rich simplicity. I love all the characters, who seem like they are really living somewhere over in rural England at this very moment. The way Edwards puts sentences together is so pretty; her word choices so lovely. Somehow, in the way she describes each scene I feel I am really there: my hands in the warm dirt as Mandy works in her garden; my face hitting the cool sheets as she snuggles in her cozy attic bedroom; my senses taking in unfamiliar surroundings as she convalesces through her illness. I am both Mandy herself and rooting her on the whole time. At the end, when Mandy is experiencing her first Christmas in the mansion... touching and unbelievable. Plus... it's written by Julie Andrews! She's brilliant.

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The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (1958)
This book is truly timeless and probably the most underrated on this list. It's set in 1600s Connecticut, when America was so different, but it's just as fresh as if the story is unfolding right now. At the same time, Speare fully immerses me into the daily patterns of life back then, making them appear natural and not romanticized. The writing itself is crisp and vibrant; the narrative unpredictable and emotional, but never sugary or stupid. Kit, the main character, was probably the actual inspiration for Elizabeth from POTC. Speare builds Kit's character so well that I know of her worth and strength even when Kit doesn't yet know it herself. The themes are serious (courage in the face of widespread panic, and love in the face of hateful judgment) but these heavy elements are handled elegantly and respectfully. This book really stays with me each time I finish it.

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Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (1937)
When I was little, I loved to imagine training for the arts, set on the path to becoming a great performer. From the very first page this story draws me in to that exciting place in my heart. Set in Britain in the early 1900s, it follows three orphans adopted as sisters, and because they are poor, sent to train and earn money at The Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Each girl has her own talents and struggles; the supporting characters encourage each of their aspirations through lovely character interactions. I like that it never encourages a view of the girls as stardom-driven narcissists, which is probably more a modern-day stereotype a la "Fame" and such. The girls simply love their family and work hard to support each other. Overall it's a sweet picture of childhood, both with its trials and warm, cozy moments. Also it is very British, containing terms I don't really understand (such as descriptions of clothing) but love to read anyway. The writing style is warm and descriptive yet earnest and even serious, with a lot of depth. And the descriptions of their grand dance and stage productions are magical.

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Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (1985)
Once, my piano teacher told me there's no such thing as "easy" music because a true master treats even the simplest songs with the greatest care. That is how I feel about this book. MacLachlan's narrative is a master class in telling a deeply meaningful story with clarity and grace. Even though it's written from the point of view of a young girl, Anna, the plot and details are so rich that I never feel a lack of perspective. The American prairie is a beautiful and strong presence throughout, which I love, and MacLachlan contrasts the prairie with Sarah's homeland of Maine to great effect. The dialogue is simple but substantial - sentimental but not simpering. Reading this book is like a breath of fresh air, clearing away noise and busyness and focusing on what it means to work hard, to appreciate the loveliness in simple moments, and to love your family. Also the little boy Caleb is precious.

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Holes by Louis Sachar (1998)
With the exception of Harry Potter, Holes is the most brilliantly complex story I've ever read. How did he think of all its layers and then weave them together so beautifully? Set in Texas, which I love, and written in a clean, clear style. Probably also the most un-boring book I have ever read. I care about all the characters and feel like each one is designed with great purpose and meaning. The plot is suspenseful and rewards the reader with powerful outcomes - I get chills every time Stanley and Zero make it to the top of God's Thumb. Hilarious, touching, achingly sad, and fascinating - just completely unique. I never get tired of it. Check out the movie, too - probably the best book-to-movie adaptation I've seen (cause Sachar wrote the screenplay).

Btw I just realized that The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Sarah, Plan and Tall, and Holes all won the Newberry Medal!

honorable mentions:
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (1964)
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (1990)
Beverly Cleary books: Fifteen (1956), The Luckiest Girl (1958), Jean and Johnny (1959), Sister of the Bride (1963)
A Time of Angels by Karen Hesse (1995)