The movie Guernsey, officially titled The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is a heartwarming historical drama that blends romance, mystery, and the lingering effects of war. Set shortly after World War II, it tells the story of a writer who forms an unexpected bond with the residents of the island of Guernsey. Through letters and stories, the film takes viewers into a world marked by both the devastation of German occupation and the healing power of books and human connection. The movie is emotional, visually beautiful, and offers a thoughtful look at how people cope with loss and find new purpose in the aftermath of war.
Setting and Historical Background
The story takes place in 1946, a year after the end of World War II. The island of Guernsey, part of the Channel Islands, was the only British territory occupied by Nazi Germany during the war. The film gives viewers a glimpse into what life was like under occupation food shortages, fear, forced labor, and separation from the rest of the world. This historical setting adds depth and realism to the story while giving it an emotional weight that resonates through each character’s experience.
The Island of Guernsey
Guernsey plays more than just a geographical role in the movie it becomes a central character. The island’s picturesque landscape, its sense of isolation, and its small community culture help create a powerful atmosphere. Viewers are introduced to a place where everyone knows each other, and where secrets from the war still linger. The beauty of Guernsey’s countryside contrasts with the harsh memories left behind, creating a layered environment where healing and reflection can take place.
Main Plot Summary
The story follows Juliet Ashton, a successful London-based writer who is looking for her next great book idea. One day, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a pig farmer from Guernsey who found her name in a book she once owned. Dawsey tells Juliet about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club formed during the German occupation as a way to avoid trouble with Nazi authorities. Intrigued by this strange name and the society’s background, Juliet begins corresponding with Dawsey and other members of the group.
As her curiosity grows, Juliet travels to Guernsey to meet the group in person. There, she learns about the story of Elizabeth McKenna, the society’s founder, who disappeared during the war. Juliet becomes determined to uncover the truth about Elizabeth’s fate, and in doing so, she forms close bonds with the island’s inhabitants. Through shared stories, personal losses, and quiet acts of bravery, Juliet finds not only the material for her next book but also a sense of belonging and purpose that she had been missing.
Key Characters
The characters in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are central to its emotional impact. Each one brings a unique perspective and history, helping to build a rich, layered narrative.
- Juliet Ashton (Lily James): A spirited and compassionate writer who is disillusioned with the superficial life she leads in London. Her journey to Guernsey helps her discover deeper truths about life, love, and human resilience.
- Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman): A quiet, kind-hearted farmer who initiates contact with Juliet. His gentle nature and strong moral compass play a major role in drawing Juliet to the island.
- Amelia Maugery: A strong-willed woman who helped form the society. She carries deep grief for the suffering experienced during the war, especially concerning Elizabeth.
- Isola Pribby: A quirky and enthusiastic member of the society who believes in herbal remedies and honesty. She provides comic relief and heartfelt insight.
- Elizabeth McKenna: Though absent for much of the film, Elizabeth’s spirit is ever-present. Her courageous actions during the occupation and mysterious disappearance form the heart of the story.
The Role of Literature
Books play a symbolic and literal role in the story. During the German occupation, the members of the society used reading as a form of escape and resistance. Literature brought them hope, comfort, and a reason to come together during a time of fear and uncertainty. This idea continues after the war, as the society still meets and finds solace in shared reading experiences.
Juliet herself is deeply moved by the power of stories. As a writer, she had been feeling disconnected from her own work. Her time with the Guernsey community reminds her of literature’s power to unite people, heal wounds, and preserve memories. The film shows that books are more than just stories they are lifelines in times of darkness.
Themes and Symbolism
The movie explores several themes that deepen the viewer’s emotional engagement:
- Resilience: The characters demonstrate remarkable strength in the face of hardship. They have endured war, loss, and occupation, yet they continue to support one another.
- Connection: The power of letters, books, and shared experiences shows how deeply people can bond, even from afar or across time.
- Truth and Healing: As Juliet investigates Elizabeth’s past, the islanders are forced to confront painful memories. Telling their stories becomes an act of healing.
- Belonging: Juliet’s journey to Guernsey is not just professional it is deeply personal. In finding this close-knit community, she discovers a new sense of home.
Symbol of the Potato Peel Pie
The odd name of the book club the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society comes from a humorous moment when the group had to invent a club on the spot to avoid German punishment. The potato peel pieĀ was a makeshift meal made during food shortages. Though simple and unpleasant, it represents resourcefulness, survival, and the bond formed through shared hardship.
Film Style and Cinematography
The movie is visually stunning, with sweeping shots of the island’s coastline, stone cottages, and lush countryside. The contrast between post-war London and peaceful Guernsey is striking, reflecting Juliet’s inner conflict and eventual transformation. The cinematography highlights the emotional tone of the story, capturing both the pain of the past and the beauty of moving forward.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing space for emotional development and reflection. The film’s tone is gentle and hopeful, with moments of sadness balanced by warmth and humor. It is not an action-driven film but rather one focused on emotion, history, and human connection.
A Celebration of Storytelling and Human Spirit
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a film that quietly leaves a lasting impact. It speaks to the enduring importance of community, the power of storytelling, and the strength it takes to rebuild lives after tragedy. The characters are not larger-than-life heroes, but everyday people who found comfort and meaning in books and each other during one of history’s darkest times.
For anyone who enjoys historical dramas with emotional depth, engaging characters, and literary themes, this movie offers a touching experience. It reminds viewers that even in the face of war, hope and humanity can survive through friendship, courage, and the written word.