Comparing War And Dawesy's The Other Side Of War

The Other Side of War In The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society authors, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows paint a story of perseverance despite the tragedy from World War II. Set in Guernsey, a small island in the English Channel, the authors weave in historical facts without slowing the pace of the novel. Through character development, interaction, humor, and numerous themes, the authors transform The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society from a slow-paced historical fiction to jocular entertainment. The protagonist, Juliet Ashton, is a young writer looking for her next article after her comedic war column Izzy Bickerstaff Goes to War. Juliet seems like any other war- touched British citizen. She is relieved that the war is over but is ready to return to a normal life. In one of her letters to her friend Sophie, she talks about how everyone, even the queen, had to sacrifice during the war. Despite all of this, Juliet comments that she is

The book explores several themes including self- discovery, loyalty, courage and the magic of reading. The magic of reading is developed through the founding of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Dawesy writes to Juliet after reading one of her old books for a Society meeting. Their relationship starts as two bibliophiles discussing books through letters. After spending time in Guernsey, Juliet proposes to Dawesy and the two wed. “But she didn’t what she said was ‘Would you like to marry me?’…I’m in love with you so I thought I’d ask.” (272). Elizabeth and the Society members show courage hiding the pig from the Nazis. When an officer sees some of the residents breaking curfew Elizabeth shows courage and loyalty to the group by lying to the officer The Nazis wanted the citizens to be cultured and Elizabeth takes advantage of this fact by saying that the group was holding a book club meeting. “Then Elizabeth drew in her breath and stepped forward…Such a wonderful book –had he read it?”