🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mike Newell
- Genre: Drama, Romance, History
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 2h 4min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (55K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A London writer visits a quirky island book club, uncovers war secrets, and chooses between a wealthy American fiancé and a handsome pig farmer who probably smells of manure most of the time.
🍿 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Post-War London and a Curious Letter
In 1946 London, writer Juliet Ashton is searching for inspiration for her next book. She receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a resident of Guernsey, inquiring about a book she once owned. Intrigued by Dawsey and the mention of ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’, Juliet begins a correspondence that piques her interest in the island and its people. This exchange sets the stage for her journey.

Journey to Guernsey and Unveiling the Society
Juliet travels to Guernsey to meet the members of the literary society. She discovers a close-knit community bound by their shared experiences during the Nazi occupation. As she spends time with them, she learns about their resilience, their love of literature, and the mysterious disappearance of one of their members, Elizabeth McKenna.

Unraveling Secrets and Forming Bonds
Juliet delves deeper into the story of Elizabeth, uncovering a web of secrets and sacrifices made during the occupation. She learns about Elizabeth’s compassion and bravery, as well as the circumstances surrounding her departure from the island. During her investigation, Juliet forms strong bonds with the islanders, particularly Dawsey, and starts to question her life in London.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Juliet Ashton (Lily James): A writer who travels to Guernsey and forms a bond with the literary society members while uncovering their wartime experiences.
- Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman): A kind-hearted Guernsey farmer and member of the literary society who corresponds with Juliet and develops a close connection with her.
- Elizabeth McKenna (Jessica Brown Findlay): The spirited and enigmatic founder of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, whose fate becomes a central mystery.
- Amelia Maugery (Penelope Wilton): A strong-willed and protective member of the society who initially distrusts Juliet but eventually reveals her own wartime hardships.
- Sidney Stark (Matthew Goode): Juliet’s supportive and perceptive publisher who encourages her literary pursuits and offers guidance.
- Mark Reynolds (Glen Powell): Juliet’s wealthy and charming American fiancé who represents a conventional life path that she ultimately rejects.
- Eben Ramsey (Tom Courtenay): A respected and knowledgeable member of the society who shares his experiences of the German occupation with Juliet.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Juliet Ashton: “Do you suppose it’s possible for us to already belong to someone before we’ve met them?” – Juliet reflects on the unexpected connection she feels with the people of Guernsey, pondering if destiny plays a role in finding belonging.
- Dawsey Adams: “We’re just ordinary people who found ourselves in extraordinary circumstances.” – Dawsey explains how the German Occupation changed their lives and forged their community spirit.
- Amelia Maugery: “Sometimes the only way to get through something is together.” – Amelia emphasizes the strength and importance of their community bond during and after the Occupation.
- Juliet Ashton: “I want to write about you. About what happened here. About the society.” – Juliet expresses her desire to share the story of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society with the world.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $23,148,937
💥 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved this movie! It felt like a warm hug on a rainy day. The story was captivating, and the characters were so endearing, especially Dawsey. I was completely drawn into the island’s atmosphere and the secrets they held. The ending had me tearing up, and I left feeling completely satisfied. Definitely going to watch it again!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical fiction”
- “Viewers who enjoy romantic dramas”
- “Those interested in stories about World War II and its aftermath”
- “Book lovers and fans of literary adaptations”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief depictions of war violence”
- “Themes of loss and grief”
- “Mild language”
Professional Reviews
- The Guardian: “A charming, if predictable, period drama that balances light romance with the weight of wartime occupation. Lily James shines, but the film occasionally struggles to find depth beyond its picturesque scenery.
- Empire Magazine: “Though the film doesn’t fully explore the darker aspects of the occupation, it succeeds as a feel-good story about community and the power of literature. The ensemble cast is delightful, making for an enjoyable watch.
Audience Reactions
The beautiful scenery and heartwarming story made this a delightful escape.: Viewers generally praised the film’s charming atmosphere, strong performances, and heartwarming storyline.
Overall Consensus: A charming and heartwarming period drama that offers a delightful escape, though some critics found it predictable and lacking depth.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The novel on which the film is based is written entirely in epistolary form (as a series of letters), which presented a unique challenge for adapting it into a screenplay.”
- “Filming primarily took place in Devon, England, specifically in the picturesque village of Clovelly, to recreate the look and feel of Guernsey Island.”
- “The film explores themes of community, resilience, and the power of literature to connect people during and after times of hardship and war.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is available to stream on Netflix. Purchase or rent options may be available through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you might like these similar films:
- Their Finest (2016): Shares the theme of a writer finding inspiration and connection amidst the backdrop of World War II.
- 84 Charing Cross Road (1987): Features a transatlantic correspondence based on a shared love of literature, leading to unexpected friendships.
- Atonement (2007): Set during the same historical period and explores the themes of war, love, and redemption.
- Brooklyn (2015): A young woman finding her place in the world.
🛒 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Related Products
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel: The original bestselling novel that inspired the film. Dive deeper into the story and characters with this enchanting epistolary novel.
- Channel Islands at War: A German Perspective: Explore this work to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands.
- English Heritage: Wartime Britain: A book that examines the daily life of English citizens during wartime, which may offer additional context for the setting in which Juliet lives and works during the earlier parts of the movie.
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society [DVD]: DVD edition of the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Avenue C” – performed by Buck Clayton, Dave Lambert & Jon Hendricks
- “Main Title Music” – performed by Ilan Eshkeri
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the story is set on Guernsey Island, filming primarily took place in Clovelly, Devon, England. Some scenes were also filmed in other parts of the United Kingdom.
No, the film is based on a historical fiction novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. While the German occupation of the Channel Islands is a historical event, the characters and specific events in the story are fictional.
The name ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ originated as a spur-of-the-moment excuse to avoid arrest for being out after curfew during the Nazi occupation. It evolved into a genuine book club that provided comfort and connection during a difficult time.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Guernsey Society | Hollywood Movie Explained In Hindi | 9D Production
Ever wondered about the intricacies of ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’? This video breaks down the entire movie in Hindi, offering a fresh perspective that might just reveal hidden depths you missed! I found the explanation of the historical context particularly insightful.
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