What a mouthful you might well be saying, and you're right it is some title isn't it. But this brilliant little 256 page epistolary novel is so so worth the reading. Written by 70 year old former librarian Mary Ann Shaffer and edited after her death by her niece Annie Barrows I am sure you will be as entranced by the lives of the people of Guernsey as I was. Set in 1946 and told through a series of letters I was totally caught up in the lives and tales of the islands residents. The enthusiastic life of Juliet Ashton, the quiet steadfastness and loyalty of Dawsey Adams, the quirkiness of Isola and the stillness of Eben, combined to enthral me and keep me hooked from the first page till the misty eyed ending. Having a mother and grandparents who lived through the war in England, I was fascinated by the stories told here. The daily events the residents of Guernsey lived and told of had me captured. I was waiting with baited breathe to hear of the outcome of Elizabeth the founder of the society. I smiled, and laughed and held my breath and was angry, so many emotions were evoked by this gem of a book.
In the end I was happy, a smile on my face and a giggle as well, as I turned the last page on these islanders lives. I truly hope you can get hold of this treasure and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
I just love, love, love this book. I wanted the story to go on and on and never end. I want to go to Guernsey now. Don't you?
ReplyDeleteSold! I'll add it to my list. Thank you so much for an intriguing review.
ReplyDeleteMountain Thyme, yes yes I do I want to see the island that this books inhabitants brought to life.
ReplyDeleteKathryn Grace, my pleasure, I hope you enjoy it