by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.