The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

By: L. Janer

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Release date: August 10, 2018 (Brazil)
Director: Mike Newell
Box office: US$ 15.7 million
Main cast: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, Matthew Goode
Rotten tomatoes rating: 82%

​Inspired on the historical novel by Mary Ann Shaffer, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” tells the story of charismatic writer Juliet Ashton and her enchantment with a book club started in the isle of Guernsey under Nazi occupation. The story is set in the aftermath of WWII, and after receiving a letter from one of the club’s members, our free-spirited protagonist becomes fascinated with the story about how the society began and the small yet charming island’s history.

We witness her developing bonds with each of the members and uncovering pieces of the tragedy behind the Nazi occupation of Guernsey, and the terrible impact it had on each of the member’s lives.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a period drama, which flows smoothly and romantically as viewers are transported back to 1946 England, in the midst of book lovers trying to recover from the tragic Nazi occupation. It’s by no means a cinematic masterpiece, but rather a feel-good movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon when you are aimlessly digging through Netflix looking for something you haven’t already seen. It is very Britishly charming in its core, but that does not mean it doesn’t make for a very enjoyable watch. The melancholic shots of the grey English seaside, the warm atmosphere exuded by scenes of the society’s meetings by the fireplace and the lonely cottages make for some very enchanting cinematography; topped off by Lily James’ wonderful performance.