A second reading of this book was most definitely called for, after seeing the trailer for the film of the same name. (The film is yet to be seen, though I’m saddened by the lukewarm reviews it got). I’d read the book almost immediately after it was published in 2008 & enjoyed it then, and a second reading, 10 years on, did not disappoint.
I enjoyed the book, and yes, OK, perhaps it is a tad whimsy, but it is charming and what I especially like is that is covers a period of history that is little known, even by Brits like me. The fact that the Nazis occupied the Channel Islands is a part of war history that I feel is much neglected and anything that corrects and informs this lack of knowledge is welcome.
The fact that the author died before this book, her first novel, was published only adds an element of tragedy to the story.
So, yes, I’m a fan.
I admire the characters, I applaud the author’s skill in keeping so many distinct voices going, and all through the medium of letters. The skilful weaving together of different writing styles, distinct vocabulary, as well as their choice of subject, is an impiressive literary tour de force.
Telling their stories via letters, and bringing the protagonists vividly to life, we relive the dark days of the German occupation of Guernsey and gradually uncover the horrors that took place, and the tragedy that unites a group of islanders who formed their book club as a way to defy the German occupation.
Highly recommended.