Potatoes and Potato Peelings...

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Hello, everyone! This movie is essential for anyone who favors historical fiction, secret societies, and World War II stories that make you feel like a completely different person. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society did just that. It changed the way I look at everyday life. I feel no need to stress about the end of semester paper or daily tasks that I never seem to get to. This film puts what life was like during the war into clear perspective. Even during an international health emergency, I think that some of us can still find ways to be grateful. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (be ready to repeat that title a lot, I know its a mouthful) was originally a novel by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. The book is constructed of nothing but letters which I find can be confusing at times and difficult to read. This is one of those rare cases where you should definitely watch the movie before reading the book. The Netflix original is absolutely fantastic. It brings a voice to all of the untold stories of World War II. The movie stars Lily James (Cinderella, Mama Mia, Yesterday, The Dig) as the lead role along with others including; Michiel Hiusman (Game of Thrones), Penelope Wilton (BFG, Pride and Prejudice 2005), and Jessica Brown Findley. The emotion and power the actors bring to this movie is stunning. They were able to spin the perfect mixture of romance, comedy, action, and mystery into one film. Not to mention the breathtaking costumes and cinematography. I would rate The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society at a full 5 stars and recommend it for anyone 12 and up. Everything about this film is appropriate for families. However, because it is wartime, there is a scene in a hospital where blood is shown. Nothing gory or gross, however, if you can not handle the sight of blood, simply fast forward. Whether or not you are a fan of historical fiction I think The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society offers something truly valuable to everyone.

As you already know, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society takes place before/after World War II. The reason I say before/after is because the story flips from after the war to during it. Played by Lily James, English author Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a man who lives on the Channel island, Guernsey. This man, Dawsey Adams, is an original member of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. As Juliet learns more about this book club on Guernsey she decides to visit, dismissing her fiance, editor, and pending book tour. When she arrives on Guernsey, she is immediately taken by the charm and peacefulness of the island and its inhabitants. She’s welcomed, mostly, into the Society and soon learns one of the founding members, Elizabeth, is missing. Juliet digs deep into the mystery of Elizabeth’s past in hopes to recover information on her whereabouts. Along the way, Juliet develops strong bonds of friendship, trust, and love. Will uncovering the past change Juliet’s future? Will she be able to save Elizabeth? And most importantly, what in the world is a potato peel pie? Watch to find out!

Thanks for reading,

Evelyn Harrier 


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