The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by

Ann Shaffer

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Part 1: 13 May, 1946 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Amelia writes Juliet; she's thrilled that Juliet is coming to Guernsey. The entire Society is excited and Isola has been asking everyone she knows to send Juliet letters about the occupation. They've decided to let Juliet rent Elizabeth's cottage. Mr. Dilwyn had already planned to rent the property to provide income for Kit. Amelia also shares that they've found records of Elizabeth in France, but none in Germany.
Isola's enthusiasm again speaks to the Society's belief that others will find their story inspiring and that it might help, just as books themselves helped them all make it through the occupation.
Themes
Literature and Connection Theme Icon
War, Hunger, and Humanity Theme Icon
Amelia says she feels obligated to look for any German relations of Kit's, but she feels as though Christian was a rare good man. She doesn't want to send Kit to a foreign land, as the Society is the only family Kit knows. Amelia explains that Elizabeth kept Kit's paternity a secret from the authorities because she feared they'd take Kit, though Amelia wonders if telling them this would've saved Elizabeth from the concentration camp.
As far as Amelia is concerned, it's better for Kit to be raised by people who she doesn't share blood with than be raise by blood relatives who possibly hold horrific ideas about other people. This is one of the novel's strongest endorsements of chosen family, and shows that blood family can actually be dangerous or bad.
Themes
Family, Parenting, and Legitimacy Theme Icon
Quotes
Turning to a happier subject, Amelia says that the Society enjoyed Juliet's article in the Times. They all loved her take on the Society. Will Thisbee wants to bake a potato peel pie and throw a party for Juliet when she arrives. Privately, Amelia wishes that Will would stop cooking. She tells Juliet that they'll welcome her whenever she arrives and suggests that she come by the mail boat, as the sea makes the island even more beautiful.
Amelia's comment about the sea shows that she believes the sea and the freedom it affords the island is an integral part of the island itself. It helps Guernsey develop an identity and a reputation entirely separate from the rest of England.
Themes
Family, Parenting, and Legitimacy Theme Icon