Having coincidentally the same name as a character from a
sci-fi saga, I have always been very particular about monikers. It’s easy to
tell if a name is authentic or something pieced together from a MASH game. I’ve
often wondered what it is that reveals the authenticity of names, I’d like to
think that it’s the love and care parents put into the selection. The
characters’ names in The Guernsey
Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is what first pulled me in. The names
were real and the characters fit into their island so well. I’ve never met an
Isola Pribby, but I am convinced that there must be a real person somewhere
with this name.
The second detail that secured this novel’s place in my
heart was the lyricism of the writing. It didn’t feel that one word or
punctuation impeded the flow of the story, the book breathed it’s own life.
I could go on loquaciously praising the novel, but I’ll keep
my review to the spark notes version.
I liked the book, once I had made it through the first 50
pages. Now I am very glad I put the effort in to let myself go to the flow of
the story. It is written as a series of letters, telegrams and detection notes.
A really interesting and unique way to introduce and develop a cast of diverse
characters. The first few letter exchanges just require full attention.
More specifically concerning the characters, I adore Kit and
picture her as Bonnie from Gone With the
Wind. A spunky little sweetheart, but she has her own surprising
seriousness. Juliet is like the friend you wish you could be: free, creative,
and full of sentiment. I’d remark on the other characters, but they are ones
you must get to know yourself. To me, they feel too charming to be summarized
in a singe sentence or paragraph.
I’ve adored this book and am glad that I purchased my own
copy. My next plan with this paperback is to promptly lend it to my aunt.
What about you? Give yourself credit, you are an informed
reader with opinions and thoughts, what did you think of the book?
A good read. I'm not generally into the "letter-style" books, but this one was worth it. Shaffer gives a very believable glimpse into a facet of war that's not often considered, and her characters are remarkably likable.
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