September meeting: notes

September meeting and discussion notes

Title: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Synopsis: 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’d never met, a native of Guernsey. He'd 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. 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 cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Juliet begins a 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.

Discussion Questions for the ‘The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer

Hi bookmates,

We have added another question to the ones we sent out in the newsletter that hopefully you have received!
If there are anymore then just bring them along tomorrow. looking forward to seeing everyone then.

1. This is the first book that we have read so far in letter form, how did you cope with the style?

2. What did you think of the title of the book? Did you find it appropriate that it was Elizabeth that dreamt up the name of the society?

3. What was your first impression of Dawsey, and did it change over time?

4. In what ways were Elizabeth and Juliet similar?

5. Who was your favourite member of the ‘The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society’?

6. What did you think of Adelaide’s description of the members of the Society? “There are only two respectable people in the Society – Eben Ramsey and Amelia Maugery. The other members: a rag-and-bone man, a lapsed Alienist who drinks, a stuttering swine-herd, a footman posing as a lord, and Isola Pribby, a practising witch, who, by her own admission, distils and sells potions.”

7. Do you agree with Isola’s comment after reading Wuthering Heights? ”I don’t believe that after reading such a fine writer as Emily Bronte I will be happy to read again Miss Amanda Gillyflower’s Ill-Used By Candlelight. Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.”

Or do you think there is a place for both good and bad books?

8. What would have been the worst thing about being on Guernsey during the occupation? And would have it been worse to be on Guernsey or in another country that had been occupied e.g. France

9. In some ways the novel reminded me of the last two books we have read, the theme of compassion and people remaining true to themselves and their ideals and not letting nationalism take over. What do you think?

10. Did you have a Google moment? Would you like to visit the island?

11. Were you satisfied with the ending of the book or was it 'too pat' with Juliet adopting Kit and then getting together with Dawsey?
12. How do you rate the book from 1 to 5?

I-LIKE-BIG-BOOKS..and I can not lie

****WARNING: INCOMING RECOMMENDATIONS ****

When not fully engrossed in one of the excellent SBC books, I've found myself drifting towards historical fiction of the rather LARGE kind. These books that were recommended to me are know fast favourites. For example; 'The Bronze Horseman' series by Paulina Simons set in Stalin's Russia was my first foray into the world of history through fiction. What an [cough] eye opener that series was...I was hooked.

I'd discovered the Whitcoulls Top 100 list and thought (naively) that I'd like to try reading my way through it. This lead to more BIG BOOKS and further delectable historical treasures such as 'Into The Wilderness' by Sara Donati set in 18th century North Carolina. Never before had history come alive in such a morish and entertaining way. But then I read.....'Cross Stitch' (also known as 'Outlander') by Diana Gabaldon.

The author has written 7 books so far in the series and each one takes you on a journey (literally). Set in the 18th century with brief excursions back to the 20th, we are in Scotland, England, the West Indies, France, America and back again. Although the author has done a phenomal job at bringing the pages of history alive, it is the story of Jamie and Claire that has kept me intrigued 8,000 pages later. Diana Gabaldon is a wonderful story teller with a witty sense of humour. 'Cross Stitch', 'Dragonfly In Amber', 'Voyager', 'Drums Of Autumn', 'The Fiery Cross', 'A Breath Of Snow And Ashes' and the last book 'An Echo In The Bone' are full of adventure, intrigue, love, heart break, humour, HISTORY, Scottish pride and rich morish entertainment. If you are looking for all of the above in a series to immerse yourself in and are not daunted by big books then I highly recommend the Outlander series. If you stick with it then the rewards are bountiful. You will not be disappointed and (like me) you will be eagerly anticipating the 8th book's arrival. Apparently the books take 2-3 years each to write -with the detail and scope I can believe it !! I can't wait to see what happens next with the red-haired Scottish laird Jamie and his time travelling wife Claire.

If anyone else is a Diana Gabaldon fan I would love to swap (fan-fanatical) notes with you....

Megan :)