The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I want to say that this book was a truly charming read, and it certainly is that, but ‘charming' can sometimes denote a lack of depth and that would be a disservice to it. Although the characters are wonderful, colourful and witty and although the ode to the power of stories is deftly woven throughout in ways that will make book lovers smile with a warm and fuzzy feeling, there is also a real thick vein of realness as well when dealing with the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War 2 - a history I know next to nothing about. Even seeing it from the perspective of fictional characters it is heartbreaking and filled with a sorrow I'm glad I will never know. The great thing about this book though is that it is not about dwelling on those sorrows, but how people found a way to deal with it. It is filled with hope, humour, the love for friends and neighbours, the power of the written word and how it connects us. I found it a treasure to read with a perfect balance of charm and something a bit deeper.