The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

Set on the small island of Guernsey, which was occupied by German forces during World War II, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is a heartwarming and poignant novel brought to life by Mike Newell. The film, released in 2018, features Lily James as Juliet Ashton, a free-spirited writer from London who finds an unusual book club in Guernsey - the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The story begins with Juliet, a writer who had lost interest in her craft and her passion for storytelling. She had been reading a book written by Juliet Markham, an American in the Army, titled "The Nightingale," which inspired her to reconnect with her readers and find a new sense of purpose. Through her book club, Juliet reaches out to the people who had written to her, and she is drawn to a letter from Dawsey Adams, a Guernsey book club member, who wrote about their book club formed during the German occupation. The society was formed unexpectedly when some residents, who were caught reading by the German authorities, claimed they were part of a book club as a way to avoid punishment. The group began to meet frequently, exchanging stories, books, and experiences, forming a bond that went beyond a simple book club. As Juliet exchanges letters with the members, including Dawsey, Amelia, Juliet's name sake, Isola, and Sidney, she becomes increasingly interested in their stories and decides to travel to Guernsey to learn more. Upon her arrival, Juliet meets Dawsey, who is charming and witty, and they engage in an exchange of letters that reveal more about each other's lives. Juliet also meets the remaining members of the society and hears their stories about life under occupation. She is amazed by the resilience and the kindness shown by the residents of Guernsey in the face of such hardship. The film takes a more serious turn as the story delves into the experiences of the islanders during the occupation. They faced extreme hardships, including food shortages, limited electricity, and constant fear. However, despite these challenges, they showed incredible kindness to each other, sharing what little they had and forming a strong sense of community. The islanders also found creative ways to communicate with the outside world, creating their own radios and codes to stay informed. One of the central themes of the film is the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. Through their stories, the islanders shared their experiences, supported each other, and created a sense of hope. Juliet is deeply moved by the islanders' stories and realizes that, in a world where people are increasingly isolated, these stories are a reminder of the importance of human connection. As Juliet spends more time with the society, she discovers a deep connection to the islanders and their stories. She shares her own story with them, revealing her past experiences and motivations for becoming a writer. Through this exchange, the characters form an unbreakable bond, transcending national and social boundaries. The film takes a poignant turn as it explores the aftermath of the occupation. Guernsey suffered significant losses, with many residents being forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions. The islanders also had to deal with the trauma and guilt of their wartime experiences. Juliet's visit serves as a reminder of the resilience and hope of the islanders and their determination to rebuild their lives. Ultimately, Juliet decides to stay on the island and help the society create a literary magazine to share their stories with the world. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Juliet and the islanders working together to preserve the island's history and culture. The film's final scene shows Juliet sitting on the beach, reflecting on her experiences and the lessons she has learned, realizing that there is still much to be told about the human experience.