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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. everyone is welcome to join in.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/PotPeelPieTitle4.jpg)
The year is 1946. Juliet Aston, a writer looking for her next book subject, finds herself "gloomier than she ever was during the war." Quite out of the blue she finds her subject, one that will change her life, with the arrival of a letter from a member of a book club in Guernsey, a British Channel island occupied by the Nazis during the war. |
Imagine a book club in a place where there is not a single book store! This is exactly what Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows have done as they draw us into the engaging relationship betweeen Juliet Aston and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Perhaps their story explains the popularity of book clubs everywhere.
Discussion Schedule:
Feb. 1-7 *Letters -- January 8, 1946 - March 1, 1946
Feb. 8-14 *Letters -- March 2, 1946 - May 13, 1946
Feb. 15-21 *Letters -- May 14, 1946 - July 15, 1946
Feb. 22-28 *Letters -- July 17, 1946 - Sept. 17, 1946 | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/potpeelpstmk85.jpg)
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Topics for Pre-discussion
1. Have you ever read or heard about Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII?
2. How many novels have you read that were based on correspondance between fictional characters?
Do you think this is an easy feat for a writer?
3. What is the special relationship beteen the two authors of this book?
4. This is also a novel about books. What novels have you read that introduced you to other books?
5. Can you locate one of Charles Lamb's essays and tell us about it here?
6. Potato peel pie? Can you share a recipe?
Related Links: Author's Biography (http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=1586); Visit Guernsey (http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx); A history of Guernsey during the German Occupation 1940 - 1941. (http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Guernsey.htm)
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and Pedln (abart@showme.net)
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Welcome to Guernsey, everyone! Have you ever been? Have you ever heard of Guernsey before - the channel island the Nazis occupied during WWII? My Bruce was telling me about a production...perhaps on BBC about what life was like for the British during this time. I only vaguely remember the film. Did you see it?
Pedln has found a wonderful link to the island, which we've included in the heading here. Prepare to get lost in Guernsey for a while.
We are both delighted that so many of you plan to join us in this discussion! Still time to find the book and join in!
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Welcome everyone. This is so exciting because this book is just taking off like wildfire. Everyone wants to read it. Just for fun, I ended up at the online Seattle Public Library this morning and they have 410 holds for 93 copies of the print book, but also many copies of the CD version as well.
There’s still time to get your book, and even if you don’t have it when we start, do stay with us because it’s a fast read and you’ll easily catch up when you get it.
There’s a link to the author’s biography in the heading. I was surprised as I thought she was British.
JoanP, were you thinking of the film Mrs. Miniver or perhaps Hope and Glory?
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I'm in. I'll get the book tomorrow.
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The library just called and my reserve copy of Potato Peel ( that's my short name for the book!!) is ready to pick up. Yaaayyy!
I notice in question #5 in the header that Charles Lamb is mentioned. Is he referred to in the book? Of course we will find out. I have a childhood copy somewhere of "Lamb's tales from Shakespeare" by Charles and Mary Lamb. Also in the shelf in front of me is "The Lambs of London" by Peter Ackroyd. There's also "The Haunting of Lamb House" by Joan Aiken - set in the Lamb house in Rye, England where Charles and Mary lived for a time. Did visit that years ago. Lots of Lamb connections, aren't there?
Our book for this discussion gets more intriguing all the time - can hardly wait!
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Yes I have read about Guernsey during the Nazi Occupation. I believe the Commandant in charge of the Island from anectdotal account was not quite as ruthless as in other occupied countries, nevertheless there was reference to harsh penalties to any resistance. The islanders suffered some hardship because of being unable to ship in supplies. The islanders were able to grow vegetables and keep hens but life was difficult for them. I am looking forward to reading this book.
I recently read a book composed entirely of emails between two women both of whom were breast cancer sufferers. They met on a breast cancer support forum and began to email each other. It was fictional but I am sure the author had personal experience with breast cancer. The book was extremely well written and I did not get bored with it. As I read it when I was staying with my daughter and it was not my book I have already forgotten title and author! (I must be getting old)
I don't have any recipes for potato peel pie. It sounds disgusting!
Carolyn
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Pat, JoanR, and Carolyn -- so glad you're here.
Carolyn, I don't have a recipe for potato peel pie either, but potato skins are a big item here, especially as appetizers -- they have a little bit of baked potato still in them and then bacon pieces and cheese. They're really a bit more than just skin. But I remember as a kid I loved the skin left on after having a baked potato -- I'd just put butter on it and a little salt, roll it up and eat it. I'd completely forgotten about that until now.
JoanR, I never knew much about the Lambs, other than the Tales from Shakespeare. And I always just assumed they were a husband and wife team. We'll be counting on you for more about them.
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JoanR - that Charles Lamb of the most beautifully illustrated children's book of Shakespeare - and Charles Lamb - aka Elia - (I do a lot of crossword puzzles ;D) are one and the same?
I have always said I'd get my granddaughter a copy. I used to work in the Folger Shakespeare Library in DC - they still sell the book, reprinted, but still just as lovely. She's seven now - not sure if she's ready. What do you think? Thanks for reminding me of that.
I hope we use this prediscussion as enrichment - without going into the contents of the book. (PatH, you may certainly join us even if you don't have your book yet.)
There is a good number of literary references in this book. Charles Lamb's book of "selected essays" are referenced in the first chapter. The letter writers seem to take it for granted that we are all familiar with his essays. It would be helpful if we could talk about them before we start - maybe read at least one of them.
What's more, it is understood that we all know of the nazi occupation of the Channel Islands - I think it would be helpful if we became a bit more familiar with what went on there during WWII before we get started. Would love to hear what you know.
Pedln, Bruce says he thinks that we saw the program on Masterpiece Theater. It could have been "Islands at War" - the islands being Jersey and Guernsey. Did anyone see it?
Carolyn, I was interested to hear of the fictional emails between breast cancer sufferers. It makes sense that though this was fiction, the author was writing out of her own experience.
But what did these two authors know of the Channel Island occupation? As Pedln pointed out - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows were not Brits. Wouldn't you love to know what led them to writing on this particular subject, fiction, no less?
And yes, potato peel pie if not "disgusting" doesn't sound very appetizing - no matter how Pedln tries to sell it as a gourmet treat. I suspect it was war-time food...using every scrap of the potato as sustenance. I wish we could find a recipe. I'd try it - once.
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Pedin: You brought back memories of growing up in New York City as a little girl. After Mom took me to Radio City on those cold winter afternoons we would always stop and buy steaming hot sweet potatoes ,wrapped in brown paper and smothered in butter, from the street vendors . I would hold them between my gloved hands, usually as snow fell, to keep warm. I have never tasted any sweet potatoes like those cooked on the NYC streets since.
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JoanP--yes, they are the same. One of Lamb's books was "Essays of Elia". I'm a crossword fan too, and I'm always impressed with the many ways they can try to define "Elia" so you don't guess it. Mary Lamb was his sister. I grew up with "Tales from Shakespeare" too--it's a great thing for a child to read.
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Some years ago, my husband and I went to a huge antique market in Newark, England in November at dawn's early light. We were freezing!! We bought "jacket potatoes" from a stall, sat on the cold, cold ground and were instantly warmed by the potatoes! ( does the plural of potato really take an "e"? looks funny)
Here's a recipe for potato peel pie:
POTATO PEEL PIE RECIPE.
Our newly-formed Literary Society at Woy Woy – Central Coast of NSW, Australia - read the Guernsey and Potato Peel Society book last week and I devised the following book-inspired recipe. It was interesting and unusual. I topped one half only with sour cream. (Loved the book, by the way.)
2 cups grated, peeled, raw potato skins (well packed). Use mashed potatoes for filling.
1/4 cup grated onion. More onion can be added to mash.
1 large egg, well beaten
2-3 tablespoons self-raising flour.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 2-3 small slices of beetroot, diced. Sour cream, chives for topping.
Preheat oven to 400°F (210c). Oil small pie plate. Mix grated potato peelings In a bowl, add the beaten egg and grated onion. Sprinkle with flour and combine mixture.
Using floured hands or the back of a spoon, put the potato mixture into well oiled pie plate, pushing mixture up the sides of the plate to form the crust. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then brush the crust with a little oil to help brown more. Cook potatoes (add grated onion if desired) drain, mash. Add mash filling to crust, top with beetroot pieces. Add sour cream, chives, thyme, if desired. Turn oven temperature down to 375°F (190c). Bake for additional 10 minutes (total of 30 to 35 minutes) or until browned.
Remove tart from the pan and serve hot or at room temperature.
Temperatures may vary with ovens, as mine is fan-forced so I use slightly lower heat. Smells absolutely wonderful, but taking it to the society this afternoon, Will add more about the taste and comments received after the meeting. Enjoy!
Trish - Empire Bay Australia.
Go to page 1, 2 Next Page >>
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please ignore that "go to page....." It was in the text I copied and I didn't notice it.
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We recently discussed on SeniorNet THE UNCOMMON READER which introduced us to many books.
PBS had a serial on people who lived on an island off the coast of England which was occupied by the Germans. Can't think of the name of it now.
Also another senior moment -- the book about the woman who wrote letters to an English bookstore owner during WWII. She purchased books and sent them food stuffs, etc.
Have ordered the Guernsey book from Amazon and is on the way.
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I've read the book and am looking forward to this discussion.
I went in the other room to get the book kidsal mentioned - 84, Charing Cross Road - and got distracted for quite awhile so I assume someone else also has remembered that. The authori is Helen Hanff.
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JoanP and Pedln - Thanks for undertaking this discussion. so good to be in pre-discussion mode with so much ahead.
JoanR - Didn't realise you are an Aussie - Is Empire Bay near Woy Woy? I'm in WA - live in beautiful Perth. -
I also have a very old copy of Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare and I think somewhere I have one or two of the essays - maybe in an anthology but I'll try to track it down.
IN Aussie English and English English the plural is definitely Potatoes - like it is with Tomatoes....
JoanP I don't recollect the film you mention about life on Guernsey under German occupation but I do remember a film called Appointment with Venus with British actors Glynis Johns and David Niven. The plot involved the rescue of a prize cow named Venus which was earmarked for shipping to Germany. The film was set in the Channel Islands under German Occupation but I think they used a fictitious name for the actual island.
In response to your Question No 1 regarding having read other epistolary novels I can answer YES ! Indeed I have...those which come readily to mind are Aphra Behn's Loveletters Between a Nobleman and His Sister and Samuel Richardson's Pamela and the great Clarissa.
Probably the greatest in this form is Les Liaison's Dangereuse by Pierre Chonderlos De Laclos written in the 18th Century - (as were Richardson's). which is a story of seduction and malice aforethought told mainly through letters between the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. The plot was to make a virtuous young woman fall so in love with the villain that she surrenders herself to him....there have been a number of films of it...Glenn Close and the great John Malkovich is probably the best though I guess the French have made a good fist it too.
As for a Potato Peel Pie - the recipe posted sounds delicious but on Guernsey during WWII they wouldn't have had the ingredients - I imagine what is implied is simply a boiled or baked potato with the skin intact and so providing the 'piecrust' - or perhaps cooked in the skin with the flesh then scooped out, mashed and returned to the skin shell - nowadays I do that sometimes adding grated cheese, chopped onion, herbs, butter and then lightly grill the tops YUM. When I was a child we often had new potatoes dug from the garden and roasted whole in the hot ashes of the fire....More YUM
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84 Charing Cross Road another entertaining book in the letter mode but I rather thought it was not fiction - weren't the letters written by real people?
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I loved the Helene Haff book.. I also read a book years ago about two friends who live widely separated lives and write to one another. I loved it, wish I could remember the name. I have a friend who was living in England , when I read the book and this slightly predated email.. We wrote about once a month and kept up with each other. I sent her the book after I finished it and we agreed that the fictional characters lived much more interesting lives, but then again.. it was fiction.
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Yes, I believe the Helen Hanff book is based on real letters.
Another book I read long ago was Daddy Longlegs. It's a series of letters from a young girl to her guardian, and only her letters, no replies from him. I remember enjoying that book.
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Jane Austen also started a novel told in letters--"Lady Susan"--but she evidently got tired of it, because she wound up the story abruptly with a non-letter summary.
Nlhome, I remember enjoying "Daddy Longlegs too. It was made into a movie in 1955 with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, available on Netflix.
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Back to my notes! I've been 'locating' them with page numbers, but I now see we will be discussing them by groups of letters. So glad I discovered that well before time.
I knw a little about Guernsey; I did know it has a long history of smuggling. But didn't most of the Channel Islands do that? It sounds so lovely. I'm looking forward to perusing that link Pedln found. But I really wish I could visit it myself!
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No, Gumtree, I don't live in Australia but halfway round the world from it - near New York City! Would dearly love to visit Australia and New Zealand. Have met some wonderful folks from there. The recipe for potato peel pie turned up while I was poking about the internet searching for a good one.
I should think that it is more difficult to write a good novel in letter form whereas the non-fiction exchange of letters between 2 interesting people can be fascinating. I'm thinking of the "Words in Air", letters between Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop.
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It’s just terrific to see you all here. Welcome everyone.
Herbaltea and JoanR, I love your potato stories. Do folks still carry hot potatoes in their pockets when out braving the elements?
Sally, I’m so glad you’ve come over from Latin class to join us. That’s right about Uncommon Reader. That was a great book, and led you to so many others. Judging from what I’ve seen here on SL, Amazon must be getting a run on Guernsey. Mine’s due here on Tuesday, I hope.
PatH and nlhome, isn’t there another one by the same author as Daddy Longlegs, called Dear Enemy, also in the letter format. I think in that one, Enemy turned out to be a young woman’s guardian.
Gum, thanks for all the other titles in the letter format. What do you think makes this format so appealing? You aren’t kidding when you say there are a number of films made from Les Liaison's Dangereuse. That looks worth checking out.
Steph, I wish you could think of the name of that book, too. That was a cool gift to your friend across the sea, but judging from all your posts on SN & SL, I would say your conclusion is not correct. :D
Babi, that's interesting about the smuggling in the Channel Islands.
Does anyone remember when we read All Is Vanity by Christina Schwarz? That, I guess, would be an example of your modern epistolary novel, as the format was e-mail. I remember some years back, when email was forging its way, someone wondering if the writing of letters was going to be a lost art. What do you think?
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I should think that it is more difficult to write a good novel in letter form whereas the non-fiction exchange of letters between 2 interesting people can be fascinating. I'm thinking of the "Words in Air", letters between Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop.
JoanR Sorry I got confused....
Haven't read the Lowell/Bishop letters but the Georges Sand/Gustave Flaubert letters are sometimes boring but on the whole just that - fascinating
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Oh dear, I'm #16 on the reserve list at the library for Guernsey Literary Society. I'm not sure I want to buy a copy, but I'll follow the discussion.
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I thought I was getting a copy from the library but now they are saying they won't reserve it for me as they have moved it to the rental list and there are too many on the list :-(
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Janice, have you decided what you are going to do? We hope you find a way to join us next week.
FlaJean, I was 92nd on our library hold list for the book. Arlington County does have 17 copies, so it should move - but not fast enough. I finally bought the book too. Stay with us here - you'll find a wealth of information that will shed light on the book once we get going.
Your posts are all so interesting - I just want to follow up on everything - all at once. Will try to hold back, as we do have over a week to go. Just some short notes - and then will just listen to all you bring to this table.
I agree with many of you - I think non-fiction "epistolary" writing is fascinating - that it is much easier to put on paper than to create believable characters' correspondance out of whole cloth. PatH, I didn't know about Jane Austen's "Lazy Lady Susan." Have you read it? Is it hard to find - maybe it's online?
"N" - do you know if Daddy Longlegs was based on real letters? Yes, thank you, it was Helene Hanff.
Gum , I believe that 84 Charing Cross Rd is non-fiction - but that Helene Hanff used pseudonyms for some of the characters because she couldn't clear the use of their names before the book was published.
I remember a trip to London, walking up and down Charing Cross Rd, convinced I had the street number wrong because there was nothing there where the bookshop used to be - Back in the early 2000s when I visited, there was only a wine bar - the Marks & CO. bookshop had been incorporated into the larger bar. Here's a site with photos of the shop. (http://www.84charingcrossroad.co.uk/) for all Helene Hanff lovers. Wonderful site! I see there is a plaque where the shop once stood. I missed that.
Steph, that's a thought - do the rest of you agree? Fictional characters lived much more interesting lives
Gum - you are our resident expert on "epistolary" letters, fiction and non..
We'll have to decide after reading Guernsey whether the authors have succeeded in creating characters that seem real to us. Or maybe "reality" won't be important. I do think we need to care about the characters though, don't you?
Babi - the reason the weekly discussion topics were divided by the dated letters rather
than page numbers - the concern that the paperback and the hardcover pages would not correspond. I'm really glad you noticed the schedule before we started.
JoanR - thank you so much for the potato peel pie recipe - I'm going to make it - even if you doubt its authenticity, Gum. Which of the listed ingredients do you think were difficult to come by during war-time?
I'll bring my pie here to share once I gather the ingredients.
What is beet root?
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Oh my heavens, I am gone but a few days and you all have forged ahead so quickly I can barely keep up with reading your posts. I have gone to Amazon.com to purchase my book to begin reading, although it appears many of you have already read this book and are ready for take off. I only hope I can keep up with all of you. Just to answer the first prediscussion question:
1. Have you ever read or heard about Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII?
I must say, No, I had never heard of Guemsey before this book and I am very limited to history so this will be interesting for me to learn about the Nazi occupation during WWII and looking forward to it with all of you.
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JOANP, I immediately realized the practicality of your dividing the book up by letters. I, too, am just glad I discovered that in time.
I believe 'beetroot' is simply beets. It is a root vegetable, and in some areas it is referred to as beetroot.
Now, I'm going to go browse through Guernsey and enjoy the scenery.
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JoanP, it's a wasted question asking a Jane Austen nut like me if she's read "Lady Susan" (Lady, not Lazy). I certainly have. It's widely available, usually coupled with something else of Austen's, since it's so short. It's also available on Project Gutenberg, and no doubt elsewhere online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/946 (http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/946)
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"84 Charing Cross Road",is one of my favorite movies. So much so, that when I was in Germany with my son, and his family, we flew to London. I rented a driver, and one of the places on my things to see list, was the bookstore. I was so very disappointed, to discover it is no longer there. In it's place, was a pizza palor. The visit was in 2003.
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Oh yes, I have read and heard abbout Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII.
Infact i have long been fascinated by Guernsey. One of the reasons I wanted to go there was because of my interest in WWII History. I used to think I would visit Geurnsey one day. I wanted to go there from France and then on to England afterward. On one of my trips to France I went so far as to look up how I would get there. I would have gone once but I was traveling with my cousin and she did not like boats and was frightened of getting on the water. My husband and I talked about going later but did not get around to it before his death. If he were still alive we probably would have gone there sometime. I am really looking forward to reading and discussing this book.
I have read several novels based on letters between two individuals. I believe my first experience with one was when I read "Daddy Longlegs" and then the sequel to it "Dear Enemy."
I read those when I was a teenager. I loved them. I have also read 84 Charing Cross Road". Thos three books stand out in my memory most.
Joan G
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Jane Austen's Lady Susan is fairly readily available. It's generally published in collections of her unfinished work, letters and fragments.
I have it in the Everymans Library edition under the title Sanditon and Other Storieswhich should be available from libraries. Lady Susan is a little masterpiece. The Lady Susan is a scheming widow who bears some resemblances to Madame de Merteuil in Liaisons Dangereuse in that they are both seeking power over others.
The 'epistolary' or letter form of the novel was very popular from the 17th and to early 19th centuries so there are plenty of examples...Goethe's Sorrows of Young Werther is another worth mentioning. It's a romance with tragic consequences and was based on incidents which occurred in Goethe's life. Werther's despair is overwhelming. It provided the perfect vehicle for the rather beautiful opera Werther by Jules Massenet.
JoanP Believe me, I'm no expert but I guess even a falsely crowned 'resident expert' on the epistolary form has to earn his salt. I'll try not to overdo it. :D
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I have read about Guernsey, but in connection with smuggling and did not know that the nazi's were there. Most of the islands around England, wales, etc were full of smugglers. The islands are on a long long list of places we want to visit. I have been told that the Scottish islands are particularly interesting. But I would only want to try them in the summer. We were in Edinburgh and Aberdeen in April and wow... that is really cold up there. Fun, but cold.
Still have not gotten the book. Amazon has not shipped yet. Hmm. Watch, this will be the one way it will be slow.
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STeph,
The Scottish Isles are wonderful. Theron and I did a wonderful trip to that area in July. It was very cold in some areas and very windy. Loved the trip though.
Joan G
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I, for one, had never heard of "Lady Susan" and am delighted to learn there is another Jane Austen still waiting to be read. I shall search for her at the first opportunity.
At the risk of seeming disrespectful, I have always been amused by a poem I read about young Werther. It's three verses, but I only recall fully the first and last. Asking your forgiveness in advance, I will do my best.
"Werther had a love for Charlotte
Such as words could never utter.
Would you know how first he met her?
She was eating bread and butter."
(The second verse describes how he 'sighed, and pined, and fluttered' until he died)
"Charlotte, when she saw his body
Borne before her on a shutter,
Like a well-conducted person
Went on eating bread and butter."
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Babi - the poem about young Werther reminds me of another ingredient found in so many of these epistolary novels...besides romance and tragedy - HUMOR!
Bellamarie, you are not behind, not at all. This prediscussion conversation is here to help us better understand the story for when we actually get going next week.
Pedln found a great link - Visit Guernsey (http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx) - you might want to start there. I spent some time reading through though, and think we need to find out more than this site provides on the Nazi occupation...since the book we are about to read takes place in 1946. Would welcome more information to add to the heading.
Did any of you have a chance to read Jane Austen's Lady Susan? PatH provided the Gutenberg link yesterday.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/946 (http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/946)
I tried to read it last pm.
Maybe it was the late hour...but I had a hard time reading it. (Sorry, PatH, I know you love everything-Austen.) Gum, if you say it's a masterpiece, I believe you and will try it again. To me, it was too much a novel in the first person. I know letter-writing was an art form in the 18th-19th centuries, but this was too much novel writing to be included in letters. I'll go back and try again. I do think it is difficult to write a good story in letter form and keep the reader's interest.
Sheila, a pizza parlor!! Npt a record store - or a wine parlor? Did you stop in for a pie, or were you too disappointed to find no trace of Marks and Co? I know exactly how you felt!!! Did you see the plaque on the wall - outside? (http://freespace.virgin.net/angela.garry/Plaque1.jpg)
84
CHARING CROSS ROAD
THE BOOKSELLERS
MARKS & CO
WERE ON THIS SITE WHICH
BECAME WORLD RENOWNED
THROUGH THE BOOK BY
HELENE HANFF
Off to get my ingredients for my peel pie. Some potatoes, beet, (thanks, Babi),, an onion, some sour cream, an egg, some chives...Mmmm. Gum, do you think that the sour cream would have been a delicacy during wartime? I was thinking that the Guernsey cows could provide the cream, but perhaps the Germans had rounded up all the cows for themselves.
Guernsey cows - I had a conversation with a friend who visited the Aran Islands not so long ago - she claimed that the milk was so sweet, the grass so green because of the constant drizzle. Steph, JoanG, yes, cold, and windy...and always raining. When we were there it rained everyday, but everyday the sun came out for a stretch of time too.
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Sheila, what a comedowm, from a lovely bookstore to a pizza parlor. But at least a bookstore commemorated by a plaque. That certainly demonstrates the power of a book. I’m glad you found the location, at any rate.
I hope you do get to Guernsey, JoanG, from one of your trips to France. You’ll have lots of company as there are many here who also want to go.
I’ve had my map program up and running this morning, after reading so many comments about the islands – Aran Island off the coast of Ireland, and the Scottish Islands – they are really far north. No wonder it’s cold and windy up there. Guernsey, right in the English Channel, is much closer to France than it is to England, if my shaky distance locator does me right -- about 30-some miles off the coast of France and 70-some miles from right near Weymouth. How big a part did location play in the Germans selecting this island to occupy?
I did’t know Werther, Babi, but your poem is great. Loved it. And thanks for the link to Lady Susan, PatH. I hope to investigate that.
JoanP, you’re right. We do need to know more about the actual occupation. I’ve got an Inter-library-loan request at my public library for The Model Occupation: the Channel Islands under German Rule by Madeleine Bunting, but it will take a couple of weeks. Maybe some of you whose libraries are larger can find it on the shelf.
Here’s a link that may offer more information. I just came across this, but haven’t had a chance to explore it. It offers many more link about the occupation.
Channel Island links (http://www.freewebs.com/ameribrit/channelislandlinks.htm)
How did the pie turn out?
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Here’s a link to the German fortifications on Guernsey. The first paragraph (below) describes the initial invasion.
Fortifications on Guernsey (http://www.festungguernsey.supanet.com/about_us.htm)
“The planned invasion of the Channel Islands codenamed Grune Pfeile (Green Arrow) had evolved during June 1940.The German High Command was unsure whether or not the islands were defended. Various reconnaissance sorties were flown over the Islands ending with a bombing raid on the harbour facilities of both Guernsey and Jersey. Meeting little opposition it was decided to proceed with the planned invasion. This would involve Stuka dive bombers to soften up the coastal defences followed by landing craft carrying troops armed with light weapons to take the beaches. However before finalizing any arrangements it was decided to send a second armed reconnaissance flight to try and land. If no opposition was met, naval and army units would be flown in. On 30 June 1940 Hauptmann Liebe-Pieteritz, on a routine Luftwaffe reconnaissance flight, anticipated this decision and decided to test the Guernsey defences. Seeing that the airport appeared deserted he landed and found it to be undefended. When news of this reached Luftflotte 3 they concluded that the islands were undefended and were awaiting invasion. A platoon of Luftwaffe troops were flown into Guernsey on Junkers transport aircraft.”
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Sheila, a pizza parlor!! Not a record store - or a wine parlor? Did you stop in for a pie, or were you too disappointed to find no trace of Marks and Co? I know exactly how you felt!!! Did you see the plaque on the wall - outside?
Yes, I took a picture of it when I was there in '03. It was a pizza parlor.
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pedln, The Guernsey Islands have a long, proud history. The ending "ey" meaning 'island is attributed to the Vikings.
Victor Hugo spent nineteen years in political exile, first in Jersey, then in Guernsey. He is said to have loved the contrast betweeen the rocky cliffs with their many warrens and the mildness of the interior. He wrote Les Misérables at Hauteville. The house still stands and is accessible. The islands are a popular tourist destination.
The Guernsey Islands were part of Hitler's "Atlantic Wall" defense system and heavily fortified. Like the [Siegfried Line" it too crumbled.
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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. everyone is welcome to join in.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/PotPeelPieTitle4.jpg)
The year is 1946. Juliet Aston, a writer looking for her next book subject, finds herself "gloomier than she ever was during the war." Quite out of the blue she finds her subject, one that will change her life, with the arrival of a letter from a member of a book club in Guernsey, a British Channel island occupied by the Nazis during the war. |
Imagine a book club in a place where there is not a single book store! This is exactly what Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows have done as they draw us into the engaging relationship betweeen Juliet Aston and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Perhaps their story explains the popularity of book clubs everywhere.
Discussion Schedule:
Feb. 1-7 *Letters -- January 8, 1946 - March 1, 1946
Feb. 8-14 *Letters -- March 2, 1946 - May 13, 1946
Feb. 15-21 *Letters -- May 14, 1946 - July 15, 1946
Feb. 22-28 *Letters -- July 17, 1946 - Sept. 17, 1946 | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/potpeelpstmk85.jpg)
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Topics for Pre-discussion
1. Have you ever read or heard about Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII?
2. How many novels have you read that were based on correspondance between fictional characters?
Do you think this is an easy feat for a writer?
3. What is the special relationship beteen the two authors of this book?
4. This is also a novel about books. What novels have you read that introduced you to other books?
5. Can you locate one of Charles Lamb's essays and tell us about it here?
6. Potato peel pie? Can you share a recipe?
Related Links: Author's Biography (http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=1586); Visit Guernsey (http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx); A history of Guernsey during the German Occupation 1940 - 1941. (http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Guernsey.htm)
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and Pedln (abart@showme.net)
Deems: This sounds like a fun discussion. Don't have the time to read the book, but I'll be following the discussion with interest. Our classes are packed this semester (budget crunch) which means even more paper grading.
I did see the Masterpiece Theater production that folks have mentioned about the German occupation of Guernsey. Remember liking it, but not much else. It must have been about eight years ago.
I also read Daddy Long Legs and Dear Enemy, both about the girl orphan and her guardian. Both books were also read aloud to me by my grandmother when I was home with one of my many bouts with bronchitis. To this day I love being read to (assuming that the reader is a good one).
Maryal
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JoanP Lady Susan- did I say Masterpiece ? H'mmm maybe I should have said 'little gem'. It's not of the same quality as P&P or Persuasion. Austen herself found the epistolary style too difficult and ended the story using a narrator.
As for our Potato Peel Pie - even the potatoes and onions would have been hard to come by - the Guernsey people were almost starving by the time they were liberated - most of the livestock was either confiscated or under strict control by the Germans and those who had a cow or chickens had to account for the milk and eggs, so milk (or cream) and eggs would be very highly prized. I daresay the herbs could be found easily enough.
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NOw I am intrigued.. Hopefully there were no jews on the island? I have been reading about holocaust survivors and their children. So I am a bit amazed at how long and how horrible it was for several generations.
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Deems, welcome. I'm glad you can be here even if you don't have time to read the book. You'll be all primed and ready for it -- do you get any kind of break before spring?
Gum, I think you're probably right about what they had and didn't have. I think about the people there when I throw things away. Steph, I think this book is full of things we wouldn't dream of.
Hmmm. Feb. 1 is one week from today. I'm loving our pre-discussion. So many interesting things coming up.
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Yes, indeed. That damp climate is the reason all the British Isles are green, and the ladies have those soft, milky complexions. I browsed through the link on Guernsey, and from the lovely picture at the top of the page, I have decided that if I could go there, it would definitely be in April. All those beautiful blue flowers!
I suspect that the original potato peel pie for the book was not nearly as good as the one Joan made. I remember reading somewhere that turnips were also a staple diet for many farm households during the Great Depression here. One farmer, after eating turnips thru' most of the winter, swore he would never eat another turnip. Unfortunately, he said, the next year was even worse. My husband liked combining mashed rutabaga and potatoes; I wonder if that originated during the G.D.?
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If you ask Bruce about the pie, he'll tell you it was great. Of course he covered it with gravy. (at least it wasn't catsup, right?) And he loves beets, which I sprinkled liberally over the top. (And made him a wonderful cold beet salad to go with this culinary delight. - oh yes, he was very happy.)
And then I had to add a lot of my own touches - because I didn't know what else to do. Start with the potato peel pie shell.
What is self-rising flour? (Remember I'm the one who had to ask what beet root is. )
I closed my eyes and asked the Guernsey Islanders what they would have used to prepare this dish...and believe this, I got an answer. "Use whatever you have on hand." Do you know - I don't have my Gold Medal flour bag anymore - is regular white flour self-rising?
This pie shell didn't rise, but it was a pleasing crunchy texture, so I guess it worked out okay.
Now about the mashed potato filling. How do you mash potatoes without adding milk and butter? They were quite dry. The recipe called for sour cream - as a topping with chives and diced beets. Well, there I stood with dry potatoes and a container of sour cream - so in it went!
You wouldn't believe how good that was!
But, I will agree with you on this, Gum - the famous Guernsey cow would not have been wandering freely on an island where so many are starving. The sour cream ingredient, so essential to my success, would not have been available.
No chickens either - no egg? What would have bound the grated potato peels together to form the crust?
I'm going to hold out for the beets and the onion though. (No turnips, Babi!) Come on! Without them, we'd have had nothing but a baked potato! (Thanks for the chives and thyme, Gum!)
Steph - Pedln, I can't wait to get into the story to learn more about the ingredients that went into this pie - keeping in mind that this is Mary Ann Shaffer's fiction. ;)
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Pedln, another wonderful site - I'm going to put this page from that site in the heading right now
A history of Guernsey during the German Occupation 1940 - 1941. (http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Guernsey.htm)
From this site - "Of the population of 40,000, 17,000 were evacuated to England."
So many questions - don't you wonder who was evacuated, who remained on the island? Surely no one would do so willingly - would they?
And what became of those who remained? Were they able to sustain themselves? I can't see the Germans supporting them.
"By 1943 over five thousand foreign slave workers were working on Guernsey, many of whom lost their lives from exhaustion and starvation. They were guarded by a garrison of 13,000 German troops."
What were the slave workers doing on the island?
Were they necessary to maintain the Atlantic Wall which Traudee describes?
How many are needed over and above the 13,000 German troups?
These were foreign slave workers. Starving. What of the native Islanders? Are they too dying of starvation at this time?
"After the D-Day Normandy landings in 1944, the islands became cut off from the rest of Europe and food and fuel supplies dried up. Life became steadily worse with both the occupying forces and islanders suffering from starvation."
Well, at least it sounds as if food supplies were coming in between 1940 - 1944. Imagine they continued to be occupied after DDay - the landing at Normandy - right across the pond?
Maryal - welcome, good to have you with us! - Do you remember anything more about the Masterpiece Theater production, "Islands at War"? Bruce is going to see if he can order it through Netflix - I'd love to see it again.
Steph, I vaguely remember a Jewish family in this production - in grave danger of being identified and being sent off-island to the camps. The Islanders worked together to hide them. The Islanders working together seems to have played a mighty big part in their survival!
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JoanP...you have made my mouth water and I will have to try a Potato Peel Pie this week.
I have been reading Lady Susan by Jane Austen online and feel like I am in a gossip session. It is quite amusing to say the least.
Just bought my Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie book at Borders last night and can't wait for Feb 1st. You should see the reactions my friends and family give to me when I tell them the name of the book. They have never heard of it and think I am crazy. :)
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4. This is also a novel about books. What novels have you read that introduced you to other books?
In one of our past discussions we were reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" and it mentioned Truman Capote's, "In Cold Blood." Again it was two authors coming together.
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Count me in, too. I have the book on my Kindle. A week from today, seems too long away.
Sheila
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Somehow I missed the fact that the pre-discussion had opened, or I would have been here earlier. I just got my book yesterday from Amazon. I had the (slow) free shipping, and it still got here pretty fast, so unless we have exhausted their supply, I wouldn't worry.
I had forgotten about Lamb's "Tales from Shakespeare". I loved it as a kid. I wonder if my 9-year-old grandson is ready for it?
No, Lady Susan is not as good as Austen's other books. but to us Austen nuts, any Austen is better than no Austen!! I've never read Pamela or Clarissa, but one day I will.
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Lambs.. Tales from Shakespeare.. Oh me, I had not thought of that for years. Stories dumbed down is what I remember of them.
I wish Amazon would hurry..
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Here are a couple of interesting tidbits from Annie Barrows in the Barnes and Noble on-line discussion of the book:
Mary Ann fell ill just after the book was sold to The Dial Press. She asked me to complete the editorial work for her, so my job was primarily to add more to the story, rather than changing what was there. I consulted with her a few times, but she was pretty ill, so I tried not to pester her. When in doubt, I invented.
I asked Mary Ann once why she had chosen the letter form. She laughed and said, "For some bizarre reason, I thought it would be easier."
I think the problem with most epistolery novels is too few narrators. It's very difficult to believe in a story that's told through forty-page letters by one character (who writes forty-page letters, much less forty-page letters complete with dialogue, descriptions, and background?). I believe the solution is not to bag the epistolery novel, but to have so many characters that no single one is responsible for all the story-telling. I have to say, it was tremendous fun to tell a story through so many voices. Each one gives the story a separate little charge, and each one has his or her own quirks and ideas. I don't know how I'm going to return to regular narrative again.
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January 26th AUSTRALIA DAY - A day to wave the flag, welcome new citizens, eat barbqued lamb, watch the tennis and the fireworks and above all, give thanks for living in such a great country.
No 4: what novel have you read that introduced you to other books.
One book with references to other literature was Alan Bennett's Uncommon Reader which we read and discussed together not so long ago. There were certainly a few books mentioned there which I didn't know about.
Another is Dai Sijie's Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress - though I have read much of Balzac.
Cervante's Don Quixote introduced us to the old Spanish novels of chivalry - none of which I have ever consciously read or even thought of reading.
One book already mentioned is Hanff's 84 Charing Cross Road which introduces us to another title every other page. They are mostly drawn from 18th and 19th century and reflect Hanff's interest in English Literature and History and whilst I have read some she mentions, (Pepys' Diary for instance,) there were plenty of others I have not. I am simply full of admiration for Hanff and her diligence.
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Happy Australia Day, Gum and all the folks from Australia. I hope you all have a wonderful celebration. Bar-b-qued lamb sounds delicious, too.
Bellmarie and JoanK, I’m glad you got your copies, and Sheila, yours on the Kindle. JoanG, is yours on the kindle, also.
Steph, you and I are waiting for Amazon. Mine is supposedly due tomorrow, along with a strongly predicted ice storm, possible power loss, etc. (I’ve just checked flashlight batteries and supply of books.)
Laura, what interesting remarks from Annie Barrows, especially her comments about the advantages of telling a story through so many different voices. That will certainly be something we’ll want to think about as we read the book.
I had to laugh at your comments about rutabagas,Babi, (not laughing at the GD). As a child I had an intense dislike of them and my mother would always insist on putting them on my plate. And I have never ever cooked one, and don't ever plan to.
This is a great site (above), Joan. Can you imagine, almost half the island’s population evacuated. So many questions raised here. Will we be able to answer them?
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Yes Pedlin, my copy of the book is on my kindle.
Joan G
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We're so glad you found us, JoanK. Lots of good information has been pouring into this pre-discussion. I definitely think the 9 year old could handle the Lambs' Tales from Shakespeare. Steph, I wouldn't call these beautifully illustrated stories for children, dumbed down Shakespeare. These are intended for children - their first introduction to the Bard. I know a good number of children who grew to be Shakespeare enthusiasts after their first exposure to these stories.
Charles Lamb is quite an interesting character - I'm going to hunt for a link to some of his essays. I think it would be helpful to get somewhat familiar with his work before we get into the novel. I don't know anyone who reads him anymore, do you?
Bellamarie, I'm hoping that we each get into one author whose work is unfamiliar - before we finish this discussion. (I think mine just might be Charles Lamb.) It sounds as if you have already accomplished that by reading Jane Austen's Lady Susan.
Laura, I think it would be great if we could get Annie Barrows involved in our discussion. Since you have just participated in the B&N discussion with her, we thank you in advance for sharing some of the points she made. I had wondered how the two collaborated on the book. And now we know. It will be interesting to hear more from Annie as we get into the story. Did you say that the book was nearly complete when Annie took over? It was more than editing ...she made up some of contents! Please stay with us, Laura. Your input should be worthwhile.
hahaha, I'm laughing at Mary Ann Shaffer's admission that the reason she wrote this "epistolary novel" - she thought it would be easier!
Is anyone else besides JoanG and Sheila reading the book on a kindle? I'll bet there are no page letters. I'll bet the letters are dated though. Another good reason not to use page numbers dividing the weekly discussion schedule, don't you think? Is there anyone still unable to locate a book?
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Thanks for the prediscussion site.
The Guernsey Islands have a long proud history. Here's a link
http://www.islandlife.org/ancient_monuments_gsy.htm
More photos are within that link.
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"Island at War" - a British fiction film series available thru Netflix tho I saw mine from our library. I enjoyed watching it last summer - gives a sense of of island life for the familes.
Netflix: Set on St. Gregory's, a make-believe section of the Channel Islands, this fascinating British series examines the lives of three different families caught on the islands at the outbreak of World War II. Catch all the episodes of this groundbreaking show, which captures its characters dealing with the stresses of everyday living as well as the repercussions of global conflict. Stars Felicity Dorr, James Wilby and Louisa Clein.
AND- here's the wikipedia link about the film series
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_at_War
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Sorry.. But you have to understand that I went to a small rural school. They used Lambs Shakespeare in the 7-8-9 grades. And so yes, I remember being horribly disappointed in what I thought was Shakespeare. Thank heaven, my Mother looked at it all and went out and bought some real Shakespeare and told me this was the real stuff, not the other.
Happy Australia Day. Oh how I would love to visit you, but the long long airplane trip does me in. I can barely make it to Europe without going completely nuts nowadays.. Oh the small seats, the horrid food, the screaming children.. I love to visit, but hate to get there except for our RV.. That is heaven on the other hand.
Amazon is not shipping my copy until Feb 4.. because when Idid the free shipping, one of the other books is coming out that day..Darn darn darn.. I will coast for the first week obviously.
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My book probably won't come until after we start either but I do have the library copy. I also picked up at the library the Modern Library edition of the complete essays and letters of Charles Lamb plus a bio. ( Pedln, Charles and Mary Lamb were brother and sister.) He wrote to Wordsworth (another brother & sister menage!), Coleridge, Southey and Mrs Shelley. I like browsing through this book.
My sister reminded me about another interesting book which describes life on Guernsey through both World Wars. It's "The Book of Ebenezer Lepage" by G.B.Edwards which she has - but is way up in Boston! I checked our library but had to request it on interloan - there seem to be only 2 copies in the county.
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Hello. I'm basically "marking my spot" so I can read along with the discussion. However, I'm not really good at interpreting the finer points of a story so doubt I'll have much input.
I picked up my reserved copy of "Guernsey Literary..." on Saturday. Since I'm trying to finish a very long saga, I've only dipped into this one. It's so delightful that I must discipline myself not to stay up all night and finish it.
Now, I'll be brought to this site when there are new messages posted so...I'll cyber-see you along the way.
Callie
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I received my copy from Amazon last week and will join you on February 1.
Evelyn
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Evelyn and Callie, it’s good to see you here, glad you were able to copies. And if you’re holding off reading, it’s a hard book to put down. As Callie says, it is so delightful. And folks, we’re not looking for the ‘finer points’ of this book. We’re just sitting in front of the fire (watching the ice build up) or fan, saying whatever pops into mind.
JoanR, thanks for the heads-up about Ebeneezer Le Page. There are several university libraries in the state that have it, but it’s not available locally, so I’ll have to see if the public library can get it through Inter-library loan. Am currently waiting for M. Bunting’s Model Occupation..
That’s a nifty Wikipedia article on Island at War, Marj. Good background information, and even synopses of each segment (but I’m holding off on those.) Three discs. I’ve got the first one at the top of my Netflix queue. Hmmm. I wonder what they’ll think when they get a run on this particular film.
Traude, thanks for the link to all the historical information. That goes back a looooong way. Those dolmens, burial sites, are something, aren’t they? I can’t believe they let people go in them now. It’s just mind-boggling all the information, books, and links coming to light, all because of this one book. Annie Barrows and the family of Mary Anne Shaffer should be very proud.
Hang in there, Steph, maybe some good Samaritan will lend you a copy for overnight. And FlaJean and Janice, hopefully something will turn up for you too.
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Pedln I am sorry I can't join your discussion I know it will be good. It doesn't come out in paper back until May 5th and I can't read hard cover books but I will tag along.
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Here's a link to the reviews of "The Book of Ebenezer Le Page". I'm going to order it!
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page (http://www.amazon.com/Book-Ebenezer-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590172337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233090773&sr=1-1)
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Wow, wht a long URL!! I somehow had the idea that they shrank when you hit "paste". I know there must be a way to neaten them up.
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PatH..."Jane Austen also started a novel told in letters--"Lady Susan"--but she evidently got tired of it, because she wound up the story abruptly with a non-letter summary."
I just finished reading Lady Susan, thanks to PatH for providing us the link: Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/946
As I mentioned as I began reading it the other day, I felt like I was in a gossip session. Now that I have completed it I feel like I just read someone's personal diary/journal. I was quite disappointed in the abrupt ending and how she stopped writing in letter form. All in all it was enjoyable and I can now brag and say, I have read one of Jane Austen's books. I am so far behind in my years of knowledge of great authors and their works. Since I have been participating the past few years in the Senior book discussions I am amazed with all of you scholars of literature. And don't be so humble...I am proud to be in your company. :)
I would like to ask if any of you have a diary/journal? I have kept journals for many years and imagine if someone were to find and publish mine years after I am gone. tsk tsk :-[
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I just found one copy of The Ebenezer Le Page book at our library and will be getting it on Friday. I hope it will help me learn much as I go about reading our GLPPPS book come Feb. 1. Now on to find some of Charles Lamb's books.
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Look at all these posts!
Bellamarie - you are a wonder. Congratulations on finishing Lady Susan. The Guernsey Literary Society, the discussion of this society should send us into areas that we never would have gone before.
JoanR, I tidied up your url - you need to use this code [ url=.....paste the url here[ /url]Name of site putting those brackets close together of course. But your link worked find without it. The book looks quite interesting - "couched in musical Guernsian English." Please come in and tell us about it. You too, Bellamarie - see if you pick up on the l"musical anguage.
Traudee, great site. I found myself wondering if the blood line of any of the residents of WWII Guernsey went way all the way back to medieval times. It's possible, isn't it?
Pedln, I'm looking forward to your book report on Madeleine Bunting's Model Occupation. It sounds yummy. Here's an excerpt:
'When the Germans arrived on the Channel Islands after the defeat of France in the summer of 1940, they and the islanders agreed that it would be a 'Model Occupation'. But as the war dragged on and Britain appeared to abandon the islands to their fate, so features of Nazi occupation already widespread throughout Europe emerged. Making use of recently released archives in Moscow, Berlin, Paris, London, Guernsey and Jersey, as well as unpublished private papers and over a hundred interviews with people - islanders, forced labourers and German soldiers - who lived through the five-year Occupation."
MarjV- Islands at War is in Netflix! That's great to know. We saw it on Masterpiece Theater years ago. I am looking forward to seeing it again - had hoped to see something of Guernsey - but Bruce just looked it up and told me that it was actually filmed on the Island of Man. Bummer, but I'd like to see the story again anyway.
Judy, please do coast along with Steph and Janice...JoanR too. - You did try your library, Judy? I'm amazed at the number of people on the hold list for this title at libraries. Do you suppose all these people are getting prepared for this discussion?
I found a great site containing the Gutenberg online essays and letters of Charles Lamb - saved it on my other computer. Will bring it here in the morning. I have to admit that I never read any of them - at least I don't remember reading him. ;)
Stay warm everyone - the ice storms are dangerous.
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I've started "Guernsey", and it's delightful!! I'll have to sit on my eyes to keep from reading too far!
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I was sneaky. I figured that there was a long reserve list on "Guernsey..." so I requested the large print edition and got it in 3 days! More than one way to peel a potato!
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JoanP--the storms on this side of the Potomac left a gap when it was safe for my buddies and me to go out to eat, but the sleet which started later has left a slick glaze on everything. I wouldn't want to walk in it, much less drive.
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I was sneaky. I figured that there was a long reserve list on "Guernsey..." so I requested the large print edition and got it in 3 days! More than one way to peel a potato!
You are so amusing!
JoanP..I found a great site containing the Gutenberg online essays and letters of Charles Lamb - saved it on my other computer. Will bring it here in the morning."
I'm looking forward to reading some of his work. Thanks!
JoanP, here in Ohio we are on a Winter Storm Warning with 5 more inches to fall before noon tomorrow. Grrrrr or should I say Brrrrrrrr?
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Bellamarie As you say Lady Susan does come to a rather abrupt halt and the use of the narrator seems to break the mood. The general view is that Jane Austen simply tired of writing in the letter mode (which does have limitations) and so finished the piece in a hurry.
Do try one of her major novels when you can - they are a treat
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My book arrived. This book reminded me of a British film I saw many years ago - "Tight Little Island." The setting was during WWII on an island off the coast. The plot line is a cargo ship full of liquor has become stranded on the rocks off the island and all of the islanders row out to salvage the cargo. In case the Germans come they set up a road block. Of course there is only one road and it circles the island ;D ::)
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Kidsal and all: I researched - "Tight Little Island" is also titled "Whiskey Galore" according to my library interloan website. Darn! It's not available for borrowing.
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Still waiting, but Judy , do come in and listen.. You might find it worth it. I am going to. The book sounds interesting. I honestly did not know that England pretty much abandoned it in WWII. You would think it would have been a good jumping off point for the allies.
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I spent a good amount of my spare time last night reading The Best Letters of Charles Lamb. I got through many of his letters to his dear friend Samuel Taylor Coleridge. I was amazed at the very close and sentimental relationship Lamb has with Coleridge. I am finding I like the letter writing style since instead of chapters you are getting breaks with each new letter. I can see why Lamb, Coleridge, Wodsworth, Southey, Barton etc. etc. were great poets and writers. They were not afraid to show their feminine side of expressions in their writings. But then it seems Lamb did not appreciate Coleridge revealing this trait.
"For God's sake," he wrote to Coleridge. "don't make me ridiculous any
more by terming me gentle-hearted in print, or do it in better verses.
It did well enough five years ago, when I came to see you, and was moral
coxcomb enough at the time you wrote the lines to feed upon such
epithets; but besides that the meaning of 'gentle' is equivocal at best,
and almost always means poor-spirited, the very quality of gentleness is
abhorrent to such vile trumpetings. My sentiment is long since vanished.
I hope my _virtues_ have done _sucking_. I can scarce think but you
meant it in joke. I hope you did, for I should be ashamed to believe
that you could think to gratify me by such praise, fit only to be a
cordial to some green-sick sonneteer."
I liked reading this particular bit of information:
It may well be that the "Essays of Elia" will be found to have kept their perfume, and the LETTERS OF CHARLES LAMB to retain their old sweet savor, when "Sartor Resartus" has about as many readers as Bulwer's "Artificial Changeling," and nine tenths even of "Don Juan"lie darkening under the same deep dust that covers the rarely troubled pages of the "Secchia Rapita."
Enjoy.....
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10125/10125-8.txt
I must get back to GLATPPPS. A perfect day to indulge, since we have now been blasted with 8 inches of snow since I awoke this morning here in Ohio. I do look forward to spring or at least temperatures in the 30's.
Bellamarie As you say Lady Susan does come to a rather abrupt halt and the use of the narrator seems to break the mood. The general view is that Jane Austen simply tired of writing in the letter mode (which does have limitations) and so finished the piece in a hurry.
Do try one of her major novels when you can - they are a treat
I look forward to such a treat, thank you Gumtree. :)
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JOAN, I know a great many children in England were evacuated from the cities to the countryside. I would think the children would certainly have been evacuated if the Islands expected to be invaded. Mothers of babies would need to go with them, wouldn't they? Who else would go?
I like Annie Barrows comments on what makes a good epistolary novel. It makes sense, though the lack of numerous characters writing letters certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of Hanff's book.
GUMTREE. I read "Pepy's Diary" also, but I cannot remember now if I read it before or after reading "Charing Cross Road".
I had to grin on reading, in PEDLN's new link, that on Guernsey, the Queen's title is 'Duke of Normandy'. A peg or two lower than Queen. (Surely, that should be Duchess.)
And since we are revealing any new reading that the Guernsey Literary Society has inspired, I will note that I am asking my library to find me a copy of Seneca's essays.
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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. everyone is welcome to join in.
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/glitpotpeelpie2.jpg) |
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/PotPeelPieTitle4.jpg)
The year is 1946. Juliet Aston, a writer looking for her next book subject, finds herself "gloomier than she ever was during the war." Quite out of the blue she finds her subject, one that will change her life, with the arrival of a letter from a member of a book club in Guernsey, a British Channel island occupied by the Nazis during the war. |
Imagine a book club in a place where there is not a single book store! This is exactly what Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows have done as they draw us into the engaging relationship betweeen Juliet Aston and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Perhaps their story explains the popularity of book clubs everywhere.
Discussion Schedule:
Feb. 1-7 *Letters -- January 8, 1946 - March 1, 1946
Feb. 8-14 *Letters -- March 2, 1946 - May 13, 1946
Feb. 15-21 *Letters -- May 14, 1946 - July 15, 1946
Feb. 22-28 *Letters -- July 17, 1946 - Sept. 17, 1946 | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/potpeelpstmk85.jpg)
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Topics for Pre-discussion
1. Have you ever read or heard about Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII?
2. How many novels have you read that were based on correspondance between fictional characters?
Do you think this is an easy feat for a writer?
3. What is the special relationship beteen the two authors of this book?
4. This is also a novel about books. What novels have you read that introduced you to other books?
5. Can you locate one of Charles Lamb's essays and tell us about it here?
6. Potato peel pie? Can you share a recipe?
Related Links: Author's Biography (http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=1586); Visit Guernsey (http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx); A history of Guernsey during the German Occupation 1940 - 1941. (http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Guernsey.htm); Charles Lamb - Selected Essays (http://essays.quotidiana.org/lamb)
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and Pedln (abart@showme.net)
pedln--No time off except for Presidents' Day until Spring Break in March. But now that I read the book is available on Kindle. . . . .maybe. Not much time to do all the reading I need to do. But maybe. I really would like to join in. Will take a look by getting the Kindle sample.
JoanP--good idea to go by letters instead of pages. No pages in Kindle version.
I'm currently a little more than halfway through Obama's Dreams from My Father. Really enjoying it. I meant to read it last summer but got busy with a number of books on Shakespeare, preparing for the fall course.
OK--Maryland is officially socked in (Maine expression about fog). I can't wirelessly connect to Kindle. Bummer. Will try again later. I even went to the second floor where there are always more bars.
The good news is that there are cardinals at the feeder. And finches. And a sparrow or two.
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I can't read hard cover books Joan so I have to wait until they come out in paper back. hehe
'You will find out when you get old that many things ache. I believe its caused by Art
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The good news is that there are cardinals at the feeder. And finches. And a sparrow or two.
from Deems
"Oh there's a reason the bird can sing --
On the darkest day he knows there's spring"
[/b][/color]
I've been hunting all over Google for that and they are just trying to be too helpful.
Bellemarie, you are a smart one. :D Glad you got your copy, and Kidsal, too.
I've been indulging myself with a reread of the first section, this time just reading the Juliet/Sidney/Sophie letters first, and then the Guernsey correspondences. Now I'm going to go look for "Tight Little Island" and "Whiskey Galore." "Island at War" is on its way. No use to check on the Model Occupation inter-library loan 'cause I can't get out of my driveway to go get it anyway.
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Waiting for the temps to go up a little to melt the ice so I can get the car out. Pedln, it sounds as if you didn't lose power, as feared. We got first the snow and then a coat of ice on top of it. I slipped on a snow bank trying to retrieve the newspaper this morning - not the sidewalk, thank goodness. Nothing broke, no harm done except my pride - realizing how ridiculous I looked out there in my bathrobe on my belly swimming to get to the paper. Had to have that Sudoku with morning coffee!
Maryal, I received a new squirrel proof bird feeder as a gift. It sat here by the back door waiting to be assembled. I thought I should get it outside so the poor birds would be able to eat today - and found I had no more seed. So if I can get the car out, I'll definitely get some bird seed - unless the shelves are bare.
Judy, paperbacks are always good for discussions...economically and now it sees for other reasons too. Know that the runner up to Guernsey, the Elegance of the Hedgehog IS in paperback. It has become extremely popular here too...might be a good idea to get on a library hold list...
JoanR - the large print books probably don't have as long a wait list - others aren't as smart as you are! Have the rest of you tried that? The large print book?
Babi - Seneca's essays, no less. Let us hear, let us hear all about them!!! Bellamarie - thank you so much for sharing from Lamb's letters with us. And thanks for the Gutenberg link to his letters. The man had a tragic life I see from reading some of his biography. Did you know Mary Lamb was his sister...who stabbed their mother? Talk about traumatic!
I searched for the site of his essays that I put somewhere on my computer the other day - but this one is good too. Charles Lamb - Selected Essays (http://essays.quotidiana.org/lamb) He has written so much more than I had realized. If you only have time to read one of the essays, I recommend "A Dissertation upon Roast Pig" for reasons that will be revealed next week.
Those who have started, note that next week we will be discussing only
up to and including the letter dated March 1. If you don't sit on your eyeballs as JoanK is doing - and read beyond, you will need to be very, very careful not to post on any letters beyond that'. You don't want to be a spoiler for anyone who has not read beyond that, I know.
Stay safe - I think the storm has past - except for those in the Northeast who are getting it now as we speak. Traude, how are you doing in New England?
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JoanP.."If you only have time to read one of the essays, I recommend "A Dissertation upon Roast Pig" for reasons that will be revealed next week."
You piqued my interest and so of course I had to read this. It was quite amusing to me. Alas! Roast pig. Imagine that! I can't wait to see how it will fit in with our first letters next week in GLAPPPS. Thank you for recommending it. Yes, it appears Charles Lamb did indeed have a tragic life. Imagine your sister going mad and stabbing your mother. Yet, she was able to assist him in writing. He expressed such genuine love for her. I was touched reading how he was able to imagine his mother in heaven still caring for them with forgiveness. My sense from reading his letters is that he was a charitable and Christian man.
JoanP..."We got first the snow and then a coat of ice on top of it. I slipped on a snow bank trying to retrieve the newspaper this morning - not the sidewalk, thank goodness. Nothing broke, no harm done except my pride - realizing how ridiculous I looked out there in my bathrobe on my belly swimming to get to the paper. Had to have that Sudoku with morning coffee!"
I am so happy to hear nothing was broken other than your pride. Forgive me if I amuse myself with a bit of giggle imagining you on your belly swimming to get the paper. :o Seems our folly gets the better of our logic at times. Do take care.
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Our storm began last night and is just about over. We got about 6" of snow with a bit of ice in between. I had to get to the doctor this afternoon because three days ago I slipped and fell on the ice, landing on my bottom and my knees (left one first) slamming into the sidewalk. I babied them for a few days then tried walking my dog yesterday. Big mistake! I must have injured my left knee again because today I can barely stand on it. The doc said no broken bones, but this time stay off of the leg for more than a day! :(
I ordered a used copy from Amazon a week ago today. No sign of it yet. But I've already read the book, so I'm rereading it to pick up all the stuff I missed the first time around (with the help of all you lovely people). What a pleasure to be able to do that. There are many books I'd like to reread, but just don't have the time. You know, all those unread books calling your name.
Nancy
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Bellamarie: "Seems our folly gets the better of our logic at times".
Please--don't forget the pain of a Sudoku addict threatened with no new puzzle to work.
I envy you reading Jane Austen for the first time. Probably the best one to start with is "Pride and Prejudice" and the worst one to start with is "Mansfield Park".
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I've read the book already, it was a library book, but now I find I may be gone, no computer access, for 3 weeks. So if I don't participate in the discussion, it's not because I don't want to.
I wish I had time to run to the library before leaving...lots of ideas for books to read.
N
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I still hope to get the book and join in the discussion. I have one more store to check and will be looking there tomorrow. May also just lurk too.
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Hi-
I jumped in today and your interesting pre discussion led me to spend some time reading about Guernsey and then to an article on "Wiki." I entered" Occupation of the Channel Islands during WW 2." At the end of the fascinating article they give a list of movies and TV dramas and a list of books and even a stage play on the subject. So here are some of them :
A&E's Night of the Fox (1990) set in Guernsey shortly before D-Day
ITV's Island at War (Shown as part of PBS Masterpiece Theatre)
The Film "The Others" starring Nicole Kidman -set in Jersey just after the occupation
A stage play "Dame of Sark" set during the German ocupation
Some of the books:
Higgins, Jack (1970) A Game for Heroes
Binding,Tim (1999) Island Madness
Walters, Guy (2005) The Occupation
I haven't gotten our book yet but when I ordered it from the library the librarian promised to get it for me in time for the
start of the discussion.
JudeS
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Hi, Jude, good to see you here.
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You might (or not) be interested in the Columbus Metropolitan Library reply when I typed in an inquiry about this book title:
The system owns 174 copies of this title. There are currently 130 requests for this item.
The Large Print copy has quite a few requests also.
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Thanks for that listing, JUDE. I see a couple of things that look especially interesting.
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Jude, so glad you jumped in, and thank you for listing all titles. Great.
Ella, I really applaud your library for having so many copies of a very popular book. Does it always do this when a title this popular comes along? I wonder if some of them are CDs. When I looked at my daughter’s Seattle library, they had a lot of audio books. I am so happy for Annie Barrows and only wish that Mary Ann Shaffer had lived to see her book take off like this.
Nancy, you take care with the knee. I think you’ll find the rereading a real treat, especially with a book like this where there are soooo many characters. It’s like getting better acquainted with new friends.
I see that our local newscarrier has been able to get by – there are two papers out there, should be three, so guess I’ll have to bundle up and pull on the boots. There’s just one lane plowed on my dead-end street, so the carrier’s arm couldn’t get those papers too close to the house. Fortunately, I'm well-supplied with Sudoku. A day of withdrawal would probably be a good thing.
N, wherever you’re going, I hope you’ll have a good time. Join us when you can.
Stay warm and be careful, everyone
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I just finished the assigned reading for next week. And... it was sooo hard to stop. I'm absolutely hooked. I'm going to read some of the background material now, and of course look at something by Charles Lamb.
This is going to be a good discussion!
Evelyn
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GUMTREE: I was able to celebrate Australia day witrh you in spirit, since I watched the Australian Open all day (or rather, all night -- it's thrown my sleep pattern completely out of wack). What terrible heat!! (140+F on the tennis courts) Do you have it where you are? All us Yanks are complaining about the terrible ice and snow, and you haven't said a word.
I don't get either here in California, but I was in a minor earthquake the other day. There's always something!
I laughed just remembering Lamb's roast pig -- I still remember it from childhood. have to go back and reread it!
I rented "Whiskey Galore" from Netflix some time ago. The probablt still have it. The other titles are unfamiliar. Thank you, JUDE for listing them.
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I got my book from the library.
The only things i know about "Guernsey" is their cows - my sister and BIL had gurensey cows on their dairy farm, so much prettier than the Holsteins............and, having lived in New Jersey for 40 years and knowing it was named for one of the "channel" islands, i also knew that the guernsey cows came from one of the channel islands. ..........however, after reading all the links, I did have a little click somewhere in the back of my mind about the Nazis occupying islands close to the UK and their concern about that. Maybe in reading something about Churchill's conversations or musings.
JoanP - my college Shakespeare class went to the Folger Library in 1962/3 from Shippensburg State College, now Shippensburg Universtity. I think i remember it being very gothic and beautiful?.........................jean
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As promised, my librarian got me the book on time by sending out notices to four other libraries for me.
Today I immediately started reading and got about 20 pages into the book . Now I understand why you were all talking about Charles Lamb and books based on letters. It seemed quite a conundrum why those discussions were going on before I started reading the novel.
While meandering on the Google there were many interesting facts I read about Guernsey. Some that stand out:
Guernsey has its own monetary system and its own stamps. You can use British pounds in Guernsey but you can't use Guernsey money in England.
It is an offshore Tax haven for Banks.
Guernsey has its own constitution (since 1561) that safeguards its Judicial, Economic and Administrative autonomy.
In the 1800s Guernsey's own Navy was so substantial and successful in plundering American and French vessels that Westminster declared it to be one of the great Naval Powers of the world.
OK-enough of my trivia. From here on in I will get into Literary mode and try to join in the general discussion.
JuudeS
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Oh Jude, please don't stop - what you are calling "trivia" is not really, it's ...enrichment. That's all we are doing here in the days before the book discussion gets started. Trying hard not to give anything away, but getting ready to understand the references when they are mentioned in the novel. So very glad you have joined us! And happy you and Jean got your books just in time.
Jean, I worked at the Folger for many years - a beautiful place- a beautiful place to work. Every day at 3 pm, the whole place came to a halt and went down to the tea room for...tea. I loved it. Glad you were able to visit. I grew up in New Jersey - Cranford, in Union County. Have you ever visited?
JoanK - an earthquake? How high on the Richter scale? I'd forgotten the roast pig story until reminded of it when reading the book. The link to Charles Lamb's essays is in the heading so you can find it easily to reread...
Janice, we're all rooting for you to find that elusive copy of the book. By the way, did you get on a library hold list for large print books? " More than one way to peel a potato." Joan R ..how many ways can you peel a potato? Actually, when I made my potato peel pie I used my grater to peel the potatos for the pie shell. It worked very well.
I know how just how hard it is to stop reading, Evelyn.
"N" - we'll leave the light on for you. Be sure to come back and tell us all about your trip. You should return in time for the last week of the discussion if I am figuring that right.
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JoanP, re history of the Guernseys :
It is definitely possible that some residents of the Guernsey islands could trace their ancestry back to centuries long past. According to what is known from their history there is reason to conclude the islands were untouched by the Thirty Years' War, fought in several stages from 1618 to 1648, when mercenary armies ravaged central Europe from Sweden through Germany into Bohemia in the east and south into Italy, criss-crossing several times. Entire regions were destroyed and the populations of Germany and Bohemia (now the Czech republic) severely decimated.
For European genealogists, the Thirty Years' War is a crucial stumbling block and often the end of the search.
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GUMTREE: I was able to celebrate Australia day witrh you in spirit, since I watched the Australian Open all day (or rather, all night -- it's thrown my sleep pattern completely out of wack). What terrible heat!! (140+F on the tennis courts) Do you have it where you are? All us Yanks are complaining about the terrible ice and snow, and you haven't said a word.
JoanK Yes, the tennis courts get very hot underfoot and it has been warm in Melbourne - here in Perth too - but then it is high summer. Believe me I've noticed the chat about ice and snow and wonder how you cope - I don't say anything much online because I have no real experience of the conditions - BUT I do care and worry about everyone's safety. I frequently report to DH that 'so-and-so is snowed in' or that ' such-and-such a place has had 5" of snow' . We have a very mild winter here, rarely need extra clothing other than a sweater or jacket but summer can be a little trying. Will it be the 'Fed' or Rafa to win the Open?
Now, back to the Potato Pies - I read the book before Xmas but must re-read our assignment this evening. It certainly is a 'book about books' Someone (sorry, I didn't make a note) mentioned Seneca which immediately brought this line from him back into my mind after aeons.
Language, moreover, which devotes its attention to truth ought to be plain and unadorned Seneca: Letters from a Stoic
I've spent an hour or so looking for the exact wording. It had a profound effect on me long years ago though it's easy to see I've forgotten that lesson.
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Gumtree.."Language, moreover, which devotes its attention to truth ought to be plain and unadorned Seneca: Letters from a Stoic
I like this particular quote from Christopher Morley
"The real purpose of books is to trap the mind into doing its own thinking."
I love his essay titled...... On visiting bookshops
http://essays.quotidiana.org/morley/visiting_bookshops/
I believe each of us can agree this is exactly what books do for us.
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JoanK - Netflix does not have "Whiskey........" on its listing - nor the alternate title.
OOOOOOOOOOPS - it is availble - I had to spell Whisky without the 'e'/ No wonder I couldn't find it.
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Bellamarie, thanks for the link to Christopher Morley’s essay. I liked his comment about book covers filled with superlatives:
We choose our dinner not by the wrappers, but by the veining and gristle of the meat within.
And it looks like Seneca feels that way too, Gum.
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pendln, I could not stop reading Chistopher Morley's essay, I enjoyed it so much. He has managed to capture the true feelings I have about browsing and reading in Borders, Books A Milion and Barnes & Noble. I suppose all us advid book lovers can agree with his insights. What wonderful quotes he has!
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I have read the book(per library) and truly enjoyed it. I have it until Feb 9 and also the audio book until the 19. I can just listen to each section proposed above and hope to have a better commentary by doing it that way. Am busy reading all of the links. See you all on Feb 1st.
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Bellemarie: I love the Morley essay. I could quote half of it, but I especially love this:
"There are some knightly souls who even go so far as to make their visits to bookshops a kind of chivalrous errantry at large. They go in not because they need any certain volume, but because they feel that there may be some book that needs them"
Have you ever woken up and felt "I have to go to the bookstore-- there's a book there waiting for me". No idea what it is, but you'll know it when you see it.
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I can't say I've ever woken up feeling that there is a book calling to me, JoanK.
But I do know I get slightly panicky when I realize I've finished my last book and have nothing to read until the library opens on Monday. I usually go prowl through my daughter's bookshelves, to see if there's anything there I've missed. Or go back to one of my old classics and start re-reading that. But go all day without anything to to read?! Horrors!
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Boy am I lucky! The librarian I call "The Dark Poet' ( who is an Academic young man with a brooding countenance and lock of dark hair falling over his forehead reminding me of the Poet Byron) pushed me up the list because of this discussion and my book is waiting for me to pick up tomorrow. There were about 30 ( out of city) paying borrowers before me but somehow or other he got me the book! It annoys me the other cities do not have such a wonderful library service and those of us who live here sometimes have to wait for our books because people have got in from other cities before us on the waiting list. I will have to be especially nice to "The Dark Poet" when I go in tomorrow.
I am looking forward to joining you. I had really given up hope and was going to come in and tell you today that I would have to pass this discussion by.
Carolyn
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Carolyn--How lucky you are to have such an interesting person as "The Dark Poet" at your library. All our library people are about my age (well, some are younger) and not a Byron like fellow to be seen. Except maybe one of those folks at the computers. We get an odd assortment of people using the computers.
Sad news today--In February the Washington Post will stop publishing "Book World" as a separate item in the Sunday newspaper. It will continue to be available online. And book reviews will still be published, and I don't think they've fired anyone yet, but I will miss it. A sign of the times, I fear.
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I can't say I've ever woken up feeling that there is a book calling to me, JoanK.
Gee, I have. Must be coincidence that JoanK and I sometimes think alike.
That's a super essay.
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Our central library has some very interesting people."The Dark Poet " is highly qualified as an academic but I believe he gave up working in the city to be home to spend more time with his young family. He loves literature and I have had some interesting conversations with him. As my daughter is a librarian I guess I find out a bit more about the librarians backgrounds. Our Central library is jointly owned by the city and Unitech. The Unitech campus is right next door to the library.
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Maryal, I read about that. The Book World is something I keep around all week, (along with the Samarai Sudoku.) Book World will be delivered this weekend though, I understand. Aren't we lucky we have online access? The article I read said that there willcontinue to be book news included in the Style section of the Post - just not as extensive as it has been. Michael Dirda? Please, don't let him go!
Kidsal - talk about luck! I'll bet Dark Poet bumped you up on the list to get you to stop bugging him. How many of you are still without a book? Janice?
Annie, you bring so much to these discussions with all your delving into the historical. So happy you will be joining us!
Gum - yes, this is a 'book about books' - I think we need to keep a repository of the memorable quotes that come from the book - and from this discussion. I promise to try, but already am overwhelmed - and the discussion hasn't even begun yet! I love this one -
"The real purpose of books is to trap the mind into doing its own thinking."
It seems this little book has already begun to trap us.
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Deems, your post about the Post popped up as I was writing. Yes, they are now going to scatter the reviews around the the daily papers, where you will have to hunt for them and maybe miss them. At least Johnathan Yardley and the other guy (can't think of his name at the moment) will still be around (for now). I don't want to read the paper online, I want to read it at the breakfast table with my coffee and toast. Even if I got a laptop to connect wirelessly, it wouldn't be as good. And if I then carried the laptop off to a smaller room to continue my reading, it would be both ludicrous and hazardous to the laptop.
Grumble.
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Dirda--that's the other name. thanx, JoanP.
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Carolyn, JoanK lives around the corner from a miniscule library branch, with a similarly helpful, though not picturesque librarian. His first love is science fiction, which doesn't do her any good, but I've gotten good hints from him when visiting her.
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Yes, my local library is the smallest I've ever seen, but also the friendliest. Their major flaw: they are closed on Fridays!! I'm always forgetting that, and planning to go there then. Today, my daughter called up with this wonderful plan to bring the grandkids over and go to my library. I only remembered at the last minute that they are closed. RATS!
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I received my book in the mail yesterday and have begun my rereading. Oh, what fun!!
Nancy
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Oh my, I finished reading up to March 1st and was so tempted to go further but restrained my urge. I am already feeling like I know these people personally. Yes, the Pig Roast was essential to our first letters to read, so glad I took the time to read it.
JoanK...Yes, I found myself wanting to remember so many of Morley's quotes in his essay "On Visiting Bookshops"
GUMTREE:
JoanK Someone (sorry, I didn't make a note) mentioned Seneca which immediately brought this line from him back into my mind after aeons.
Language, moreover, which devotes its attention to truth ought to be plain and unadorned Seneca: Letters from a Stoic
I've spent an hour or so looking for the exact wording. It had a profound effect on me long years ago though it's easy to see I've forgotten that lesson.
Gumtree..I spent a very long time searching for your quote last night, hoping to surprise you with it today. I am sorry to say I had no luck, but certainly got very familiar with Seneca. I am truly amazed at how many auhors and books are mentioned in this book. I am so excited because until now, I would never have given myself this special treat to read so many superb writers. Can't wait to begin discussing this book, I can barely contain myself. I have written a few children books and had a couple of poems published and I feel like Juliet and I have much in common. Mum is the word til Feb. 1.
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Have read Lamb's 'Burnt Pig essay - such fun. It certainly points up the fact that we will always happily abandon any old custom provided the new is to our liking.
As for Morley's essay - I'm sure the bookshops send out tentacles to catch me when I'm passing by without any intention of entering - I go in just to browse for a few minutes and then just as I'm leaving...there it is, a book (or two) crying out for me to take it home.
Kiwilady Treasure your Dark Poet. For years I had a 'tame librarian' who went to great lengths to look after my needs. He too was well versed academically and had won awards such as 'Young Librarian of the Year' and 'Innovative Librarianship' etc He would see a new book in my area of interest and place me at head of the queue just in case I wanted to see it - in my pre-computer days he researched stuff for me in his own time and on occasion sought my opinion. We had him for several years as a single man, saw him married and then as a father....but then his career moved on and we lost him to bigger things. He always made me feel that I was the most important reader he had - but of course I was only one of many who felt that way.
My relationship with his successors has been great but he was the best librarian I ever met. Happily I run into him sometimes and he buys me coffee and we talk about 'the good old days' :D
Bellamarie Sorry, I must have misled you - the sentence I quoted is the actual wording -at least as translated by Robin Campbell. It comes in Seneca's Letters From a Stoic and is Letter XL in which he denigrates the voluble, garrulous orator and praises the more restrained delivery. He says the more 'popular' garrulous style has nothing to do with truth. Its object is to sway a mass audience, to carry away unpracticed ears by the force of its onslaught. It never submits itself to detailed discussion There are many politicians here today whose discourse fits that description.
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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. everyone is welcome to join in.
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/glitpotpeelpie2.jpg) |
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/PotPeelPieTitle4.jpg)
The year is 1946. Juliet Aston, a writer looking for her next book subject, finds herself "gloomier than she ever was during the war." Quite out of the blue she finds her subject, one that will change her life, with the arrival of a letter from a member of a book club in Guernsey, a British Channel island occupied by the Nazis during the war. |
Imagine a book club in a place where there is not a single book store! This is exactly what Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows have done as they draw us into the engaging relationship betweeen Juliet Aston and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Perhaps their story explains the popularity of book clubs everywhere.
Discussion Schedule:
Feb. 1-7 *Letters -- January 8, 1946 - March 1, 1946
Feb. 8-14 *Letters -- March 2, 1946 - May 13, 1946
Feb. 15-21 *Letters -- May 14, 1946 - July 15, 1946
Feb. 22-28 *Letters -- July 17, 1946 - Sept. 17, 1946 | (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/glitpotpeelpie/potpeelpstmk85.jpg)
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Topics for Pre-discussion
1. Have you ever read or heard about Guernsey and the Nazi occupation during WWII?
2. How many novels have you read that were based on correspondance between fictional characters?
Do you think this is an easy feat for a writer?
3. What is the special relationship beteen the two authors of this book?
4. This is also a novel about books. What novels have you read that introduced you to other books?
5. Can you locate one of Charles Lamb's essays and tell us about it here?
6. Potato peel pie? Can you share a recipe?
Related Links: Author's Biography (http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=1586); Visit Guernsey (http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx); A history of Guernsey during the German Occupation 1940 - 1941. (http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Guernsey.htm); Charles Lamb - Selected Essays (http://essays.quotidiana.org/lamb)
Discussion Leaders: JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net) and Pedln (abart@showme.net)
Traude: My books came yesterday.
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My library is requesting one of the editions of Seneca's essays and letters for me, via inter-library loan. I hope it arrives soon. Meanwhile, no one has yet pointed out the fact that Feb. 1 is TOMORROW! I'm practically jiggling in my seat in anticipation.
I did read Lamb's essay on the roast pig yesterday. He did somewhat allay my regrets on behalf of the baby pigs, by pointing out that they were saved from maturing into gross, dirty, smelly adults. :-\
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Babi - I'm the same way about trying to make sure I have a book on hand - go into a panic. Then sometimes I have too many at once like now.
I just found Burnt Pig essay to read. I grew up on a farm - baby pigs were cute - not adults. Many a winter night I watch them birth.
Haven't had a chance to open Guernsey.
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Gumtree..."[b]Bellamarie[/b] "Sorry, I must have misled you - the sentence I quoted is the actual wording -at least as translated by Robin Campbell. It comes in Seneca's Letters From a Stoic and is Letter XL in which he denigrates the voluble, garrulous orator and praises the more restrained delivery. He says the more 'popular' garrulous style has nothing to do with truth. Its object is to sway a mass audience, to carry away unpracticed ears by the force of its onslaught. It never submits itself to detailed discussion There are many politicians here today whose discourse fits that description."
Oh dear it seems I did misunderstand your post. Thank you for clearing that up. I did enjoy getting acquainted with Seneca through my search, so it appears you did me a favor. I do agree with your thoughts on how today some politician's discourse fits that description.
"Its object is to sway a mass audience, to carry away unpracticed ears by the force of its onslaught. It never submits itself to detailed discussion"
Do you suppose in today's society the more popular, the more acceptable, regardless of the truth or lack of in it? Food for thought. I can't imagine many of today's college students thirsting for Morley, Wadsworth, Lamb, Shakespear etc. They appear to be caught up in celebrity, fame, youthfulness etc. Things that fade and are not lasting. Oh dear forgive me for my melancholy moment.
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Traude and Nancy, I’m glad you got your books. Marj, once you start, you won’t want to put it down.
Carolyn, you know the saying – beg, borrow, or steal, but get that book. Hang on to your “Dark Poet.” He actually let you jump the line? Wow. I don’t think that would happen here.
Gum, I think I must have missed something. What is a ‘tame librarian’ as opposed to an ‘untamed (wild?) one?
I’m sorry to hear about the demise of the Sunday in-print Book World. I always enjoy it, either off or on line, and would usually bring the latest copy home with me after a visit to DC. But, since my local newspaper is so PUNY and BIASED and good for little, I do most of my book review (and newpaper) reading online anyway. Pearson, you were out in the snow in your bathrobe? Well, I guess it's worth it for the Washington Post.
The sun is coming out, the temp is above freezing, so I am going to make an attempt to get out of my driveway and on to the library to inquire about Bunting’s Model Occupation.
Janice and Steph, stick with us, you’ll get your books eventually and will be able to jump right in.
Island at War, disc 1 arrived yesterday, so I’m looking forward to watching it this weekend.
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Pedln as I have missed out on so many books for our discussions I think he took pity on me when he saw my crestfallen face once again! I don't think my jumping the queue will be a regular occurance!
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GUMTREE: "to carry away unpracticed ears by the force of its onslaught"
How perfect!!
I wish I had been the one to mention Senaca, but I never read him. Now I must!
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When I lived in Maryland, the local Borders bookstore was the meetingplace for some of us "old fogeys". We would go there, pick out some likely books, and head for the coffee shop. Someone we knew was always there or would show up. We would spend a leisurely afternoon, drinking coffee, comparing our books, talking, or reading companionably.
One of the first things I did when I got here was head for the local Borders. It was like Grand Central Station with all the hustle and bustle. Sigh.
Apparently, there is a local bookstore with the same coffeeshop atmosphere. But I'm told it's not wheelchair accessable.
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JoanK..."One of the first things I did when I got here was head for the local Borders. It was like Grand Central Station with all the hustle and bustle. Sigh."
I must say your words remind me of my very favorite movie of all times, "You've Got Mail". I watch it every Oct because the movie begins in that season. I still cry when she hestitates for a last look around and then closes the door because the HUGE FOX bookstore around the corner has put her out of business. It is much like that in our city. Barnes and Noble and Thackary's was our little (imagine that) book store to gather and just enjoy at leisure. Borders opened up in the Mall across the street, is very large and full of people everywhere. Thackary's has closed and I will not be the least bit surprised if in the near future Barnes & Noble will leave us. You might think about calling that nearby bookstore and inquire about making it wheelchair accessible.
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Bellamarie, "You've Got Mail" is also one of my very favorite movies of all times.
I'm now #6 on the reserve list for "Guernsey". But I'll be following the discussion.
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Hi Carolyn,
I too have a dark young man in my library who interests himself in the books I order. But mine has very long straight hair, parted in the middle and looks like an Indian warrior (a gentle one to be sure).
When I went into inquire about The GPPSLS book he actually went into the stock room and went through all the books waiting to go on the reserve shelf until he found mine. A very sour faced librarian came out and told me "there is a young man searching for your book so don't depart" then she sniffed at me and went away.
I would never have thought to impart this story without you bringing your Librarian to the fore. I have told "my young man" about the Seniornet book Club and he was thrilled by the idea that it existed.
Hope other folks don't mind this aside or maybe it will encourage you to find your own "Dark Library Hero".
JudeSK
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I would love it if we could get some young people to join in our book discussions. I am sure they would enjoy the very good discussions we do have.
Carolyn
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My book came yesterday from Amazon so I promptly returned the large print library copy in case anyone has reserved it. I read a little too far before I stopped myself! Now I will fill in the time with The Book of Ebenezer Le Page which also came.
I notice in the front of our book that the island of Jersey is even closer to France, wonder why the Germans chose Guernsey.
MarjV - I grew up on a farm too and we had a herd of Jersey cows - such lovely almost deer-like faces unlike other cows and their milk was ultra-rich. We children were sheltered from the harsh realities of farm life so I tend to look back on it with much nostalgia. In my heart, though, I knew that when all the baby bull calves were taken away, nothing good was going to happen to them.
We have been watching "Island at War" - our library owns it. I saw it years ago but it's worth seeing again now that we have the book to go with it.
See you all tomorrow!!
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Barbi...just turned the page of my calendar...just as you said, tomorrow is Feb. 1!
I think we are all as well-prepared and ready for this, as anyone could ever be! I've got my loin of pork in the fridge, seasoned and ready for tomorrow's main meal. Too bad I didn't get around to another potato peel pie to go with it!
FlaJean, have you read Charles Lamb's essay on roast pig? Look in the heading for a link to his essays - scroll to his "Dissertation upon Roast Pig. Be sure to let us know when your book arrives. Evelyn, be sure to read that one too!
Markov, Joan R - did you ever eat one of those "cute" suckling piglets? I hear that's the only way to go...
It pays to get to know your librarians, doesn't it? I miss the small book shops too - all going out of business bowing to the large chains. And now we hear even those are in financial trouble - like Borders. The library becomes more and more important.
JoanR, the Germans did occupy Jersey - all the channel islands starting in 1940 when France fell, not wanting the British to occupy the islands, militarily.
Pedln, keep in mind that "Islands at War" (Guernsey and Jersey) was filmed on the Isle of Man, not Guernsey - just in case you plan to look for some local color. By the way, does anyone know whether the author, Mary Ann Shaffer, spent time on the Guernsey islands?
Pat has just opened the door to our February Book Club Online Discussion - let's see who will be the first to find us, Pedln -
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=189.0)