Angie Kathleen L. (stories2tell) reviewed on 9/25/2012 + 47 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I recently reviewed this book for our new book club. While I had read and loved it when it first came out, for the review I listened to it on CD and found the many voices brought it even more to life. Any version is wonderful and I wish it would be made into a movie! This historical fiction highlights the only British territory occupied by the Germans during WWII. It takes place in 1946 immediately following the occupation and after the 5,000 evacuated children are returned. Islanders are still awaiting return of some interred citizens. It has humor, love, courage and cruelty.
The story revolves around books and the accidental formation of a literary society by a group of farm people who were not avid readers. Because books were still scarce on the island, a correspondence develops between an island man and the person who's sticker-of-previous-ownership appears on a book he is reading. The previous owner happens to be a writer who is delighted to learn about the literary society and enlarges her correspondence to include other members. Told entirely through letters (lovely and reveling letters) this is the only novel by Mary Ann Shaffer, as she passed away shortly before publication.This was a great loss; but I am left with a love for Guernsey Island and the memory of some unique characters my heart treasures as friends.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details