"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018): A Heartfelt Ode to Literature, Love, and Resilience"
Released in 2018 and directed by Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a poignant historical drama that blends romance, wartime memory, and the transformative power of literature. Based on the best-selling 2008 novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, the film brings to life a post-World War II story of healing and human connection, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the island of Guernsey.
The film follows Juliet Ashton, played with warmth and quiet strength by Lily James. Juliet is a London-based writer still reeling from the trauma of the war and struggling to find meaning in her work and personal life. When she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman), a farmer from Guernsey who comes across her name in a book, Juliet’s curiosity is piqued. Dawsey mentions that he is part of a reading group with an unusual name: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," and he invites her to visit the island and learn more about them.
Intrigued by the society's name and the circumstances under which it was formed — as a spur-of-the-moment alibi to avoid Nazi punishment during the German occupation of Guernsey — Juliet travels to the island. There, she meets a colorful and endearing group of locals, each with their own stories marked by grief, hope, and resilience. Through interviews and shared memories, she learns about Elizabeth McKenna, the brave and enigmatic founding member of the society, whose absence from the group raises questions that lie at the heart of the story.
As Juliet becomes more entwined with the community, she uncovers a story of quiet resistance and profound sacrifice during the occupation. Her bond with Dawsey deepens, leading her to question her life in London and her engagement to a wealthy American publisher. The film’s central themes — the healing power of storytelling, the importance of chosen family, and the enduring impact of wartime trauma — unfold gently, with emotional honesty and lyrical beauty.
The performances are understated yet powerful. Lily James conveys Juliet’s emotional evolution with grace, while Michiel Huisman brings depth and gentleness to Dawsey. Supporting roles by Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay, and Katherine Parkinson add emotional weight and occasional humor, creating a tapestry of characters who feel authentic and grounded in their shared history.
Visually, the film is stunning. Though it was filmed largely in Devon, England, the cinematography captures the natural beauty of the Channel Islands — windswept cliffs, cozy cottages, and sunlit fields. The costumes and production design also vividly evoke the postwar period, immersing the viewer in the era’s mood of quiet recovery.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is not a film of grand gestures or explosive plot twists. Instead, it is a gentle, heartfelt narrative that celebrates community, the enduring power of books, and the courage it takes to rebuild after loss. For those who appreciate historical drama with emotional depth and literary charm, this film offers a comforting, meaningful escape.
