Hard at work. Geilston Bay, December 2020.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
After a run of books focused on a grave and wrought subject
matter, this one was a blessed relief. Sure, it contains its own fair share of
tragedy and anguish, but at its heart lay an optimism and romance that always
shines through.
The classic epistolary novel, it weaves its tale through the many voices found in the correspondence. It runs chronologically, and the authors use the medium effectively to establish time, place and a colourful cast of characters.
The cynical may choose to raise an eyebrow as to the relative ease with which these relationships develop across class, gender and age lines. Still, I say that this is testament to the power that comes with the love of reading and the magic of books, which forms the whole piece.
I enjoyed it immensely and found its charm and sincerity far outweighed any concerns over ‘authentic voice’ or plausibility. This is not that kind of novel. So, pull that stick out of your backside and roll with it!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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