I found this good-condition hardcover at the Goodwill thrift store in Hudson NH, and was glad of a chance to read it, as I've heard so many rave reviews. It's an epistolary novel, a style I enjoy, set in the aftermath of WWII - and it introduced me not only to the tribulations of the Channel Island folk during the war (I hadn't known they were occupied by German forces) but to a set of truly charming and often quirky characters.

The premise involves a woman who is trying to find ideas for a new book, to break away from her previous image. She gets a letter from one of the Guernsey inhabitants asking about author Charles Lamb, after finding a used book with her name in it - a charming touch indeed, and kind of a proto-BookCrossing touch {wry grin}. The correspondence leads to her curiosity about the "literary club" - originally formed to conceal some rule-breaking from the occupying German forces - and from there to an actual visit, which results in significant changes to the lives of many of the characters.

The story includes sparkling banter between several people, most notably author Juliet and her publisher and long-time friend Sidney, though nearly everyone has some stellar moments. I enjoyed learning the back stories of the characters, though some of the wartime incidents were heart-wrenching, and I loved the way the various friendships grew and shifted.

Very funny, very charming, a really delightful book!

I left this book in a rack near the door inside Benson's Bakery on Central St. at around 2:30 or so, while stopping by for cupcakes. (Chocolate Guinness... Mmmmmm!!!) Hope the finder enjoys the book!

*** Released as part of the 2016 Oh, the Places We Can Go release challenge. ***

*** Released as part of the 2016 Wine+Food release challenge. ***

Very interesting format that made reading it a great joy. Many topics covered that made it a book to think about and reflect on the world before our time.