The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Consider the theme of literature as a coping mechanism for the characters. How do books serve as a source of solace, inspiration, or connection for Juliet and the Society members? How does the novel itself enact connection or solace?

Discuss the role of memory and trauma in the narrative. How do characters cope with memories of war, and how do these memories shape their present-day decisions and interactions?

Explore the symbolism of destroyed landscapes and remnants of war on Guernsey. How do these physical symbols contribute to ideas of resistance, isolation, and resilience? What do they suggest about the possibility of healing in the wake of war?

Analyze the characters’ attitudes toward the occupying German forces. In what ways do individual experiences complicate the notion of a unified resistance, and how does the novel challenge stereotypes associated with wartime collaboration?

Consider the novel’s format and its treatment of collective memory. How do the characters engage with and contribute to the construction of a historical counternarrative, and how does this process dispel the notion of a singular historical truth?

Analyze the diverse reading preferences and literary backgrounds of the characters within the novel. Why not create characters who bond over similar tastes in books? How does the convergence of different literary tastes contribute to a tapestry of shared experiences and perspectives?

Discuss the broader implications of the novel’s portrayal of literature as a bridge between people from different backgrounds. How does the novel convey the idea that books have the power to unite individuals across cultural, social, and historical divides?

Analyze the impact of Elizabeth McKenna’s absence on the characters and overall narrative. In what ways does her mysterious disappearance shape the story, and how do the characters grapple with her legacy?