The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows
I’ve just read a lovely uplifting book that fit perfectly with my criteria for being really entertaining without overstimulating or causing too much emotional pain, so I just want to share.
Entertainment 5/5 low stimulation 5/5 emotional pain: occasional, fleeting but intense.
This is a beautifully told story of life in Guernsey during and immediately after the 2nd world war. It’s a story that shares so much of the positive side of humanity: the love, the bravery, the caring, the acceptance of diversity and recognition of oneness. It’s a thoroughly uplifting book. It does occasionally touch on the extreme suffering and horror of war, but it just touches it. I cried deeply at those moments but I was soon transported to a much lighter and more enjoyable place. I laughed out loud far more often that I cried.
One of the ways this book is perfect for people with concentration difficulties is that the story is told through a series of letters and telegrams. You can read it in really small bite sized chunks if you need to (although I have to admit to finishing it in 3 days, 2 of which were low energy days and I needed a lot of low energy distraction).
There is a story within a story. The main character is a journalist living in London post war, who starts corresponding with the members of the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society to write and article on the philosophy of reading. We get wrapped up in her life just as she gets wrapped up hearing about the lives of the members of literary society during the German occupation. I don’t want to say any more about the story as it’s lovely to watch it unfold.
I thoroughly recommend this book!
Have you read anything that fits the criteria of being entertaining without being overstimulating or causing too much misery recently? Or can you recommend any films or TV series? Would you like to write a review as a guest blog post or just make a recommendation in the comments? I’m also starting a new Facebook group where we can share recommendations for easy and uplifting entertainment. Join me now!
A small favour: I’d be very grateful if you could rate this post using the stars below the related posts. Thank you
Image courtesy of pixabay.com
I saw the movie of this book recently and thoroughly enjoyed a true story. What a change. I understand the book is slightly different but great.
I just finished this book and can’t wait to see the film 😀