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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

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In order to overcome the dire and difficult effects of World War II and the German Occupation, the residents of Guernsey unite and find solace in  books and the formation of the Guernsey Literary Society, which ultimately creates everlasting friendships.

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“Charles Lamb made me laugh during the German Occupation, especially when he wrote about the roast pig. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society came into being because of a roast pig we had to keep secret from the German soldiers, so I feel a kinship to Mr. Lamb” (pg. 9).

In the beginning of the novel, Dawsey Adams, an inhabitant of Guernsey, finds the Selected Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb that once belonged to Juliet Ashton. Dawsey writes a letter to Juliet, informing her about his discovery of the novel. Dawsey further explains how the book helped him during the German Occupation by making him laugh through the most difficult times. Similar to the roast pig that Charles Lamb writes about, Dawsey states that the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society came into existence because of a roast pig the society had to keep hidden from the German soldiers. This similarity made Dawsey feel like he had a relationship with Charles Lamb, and he immediately became connected with literature. Dawsey’s discovery of Juliet’s novel brings them together and forms their lifelong friendship.

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“We read books, talked books, argued over books, and became dearer and dearer to one another. Other Islanders asked to join us, and our evenings together became bright, lively times― we could almost forget, now and then, the darkness outside” (pg. 51).

In anticipation to learn more about the island of Guernsey and the Guernsey Literary Society, Juliet gets permission to write an article about the society. Members of the society write letters to Juliet, describing the impact of the war and the joy they found in reading different books. Reading and discussing books acted as an escape away from the destruction happening on the outside of the literary circle. In addition, reading allowed the bond between the members to grow stronger because of the connection they had with books. Even though several members were not big readers, the found joy in the presence of the other society members. Without the Guernsey Literary Society, the members would not have been able to cope with the effects of the war or have a family they could lean on for help and support.

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“We clung to books and to our friends; they reminded us that we had another part to us. Elizabeth used to say a poem. I don’t remember all of it, but it began ‘Is it so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have lived light in the spring, to have loved, to have thought, to have done, to have advanced true friends?’ It isn’t” (pg. 64).

In his first letter to Juliet, Eben Ramsey recounts the treatment of the German troops when they landed on Guernsey. Eben describes the troops’ misconceiving attitude, in which they seemed friendly but would act harshly towards the inhabitants at the same time. For example, the troops would constantly change the curfew, so the people were unable to visit with friends. Originally, the inhabitants believed the troops were only going to be on Guernsey for six months; however, those six months dragged on. The inhabitants began to lose hope while food and supplies were diminishing. In order to overcome the harsh effects of the German Occupation, the Guernsey Literary Society relied on books and on each other.

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“I followed your instructions and spread the news at once― you have sent the Society into a whirlwind of excitement. The members instantly offered to provide you with anything you might need: bed, board, introductions, a supply of electric clothes-pins” (pg. 137).

Juliet plans a trip to go Guernsey to meet her new friends and to learn more about the Guernsey Literary Society for her book. Amelia states that the members of the society and her are excited about Juliet’s coming. Before Juliet’s arrival, Juliet and the members bonded through letters, and they were able to learn more about each other through their writing. Even though the members of the society and Juliet never met in person, they became friends through discussing their stories and their common interest in books. The members of the literary society offered to provide Juliet with anything she may need, which shows their powerful friendship, loyalty, and connection.

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“Elizabeth was my friend, and in that place friendship was all that aided one to remain human” (pg. 178).

Remy, a girl who became friends with Elizabeth in the concentration camp, wrote a letter to the Guernsey Literary Society, notifying them of Elizabeth’s execution in March of 1945. Remy’s main purpose of proposing this letter was to inform the members of Elizabeth’s strength and the significance of Elizabeth’s friendship. It was because of Elizabeth’s friendship that Remy was able to stay alive and remain sane in the concentration camp. Elizabeth would tell Remy her favorite memories from the Guernsey Literary Society, which allowed Remy and Elizabeth to fantasize an amazing future they would have together in Guernsey. During the most difficult times in the concentration camp, Elizabeth and Remy’s friendship kept each of them alive and gave them hope for a better future.

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“Then [Remy] said, ‘It would have have been better for her not to have such a heart.’ Yes, but worse for the rest of us” (pg. 222).

Further, in the letter sent to the Guernsey Literary Society, Remy recounts Elizabeth’s death in the concentration camp. Remy states that Elizabeth expressed her kindness and courage towards everyone. Because of Elizabeth’s unending kindness and strength, she attempted to save a prisoner from getting beat up; however, Elizabeth was taken away by the guards. The next morning, the guards took Elizabeth from her cell, and they shot her in the back of her head. Remy tells Juliet that she wishes Elizabeth did not have such a big heart because that was the cause of Elizabeth’s death. However, Juliet says that Elizabeth’s kindness saved the members of the Guernsey Literary Society by bringing them together during their darkest moments. Even though Elizabeth’s kindness resulted in her own death, her kindness and friendship saved the lives of Remy and the Guernsey Literary Society.

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“When I arrived in Guernsey, Dawsey was my friend. We talked about Charles Lamb and we walked all over the Island together― and I enjoyed his company as much as that of anyone I’ve ever known” (pg. 231).

Dawsey and Juliet were immediately connected the moment Dawsey read the Charles Lamb novel that once belonged to Juliet. Their relationship grew throughout the course of the novel as they continued to bond over books and learn more about each other. When Juliet arrived in Guernsey, she stated that a sense of excitement overcame her as Dawsey held out both of his hands toward her. The moment Dawsey and Juliet met, their feelings for one another became more prevalent, and those feelings deepened further throughout the rest of the novel. Dawsey and Juliet’s common interest in books allowed their frienship to expand and strengthen because they were able to share that one interest with each other.