The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society recap

In 1946, London writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams, who owns a book once marked with her name. Their correspondence introduces the literary society invented as an excuse when islanders were caught breaking curfew during the German occupation. Juliet exchanges letters with its members and learns how books sustained them through hunger, isolation, forced labor, and loss. At the center of every account is Elizabeth McKenna, the defiant founder who loved German doctor Christian Hellman, bore their daughter Kit, and was deported for helping a prisoner. Juliet travels to Guernsey, becomes part of the society, and cares for Kit. Survivor Remy Giraud eventually confirms that Elizabeth died at Ravensbrück while defending another woman. Juliet rejects her wealthy suitor Mark, decides to adopt Kit, and writes the society's story instead of a detached article. Recognizing that she and Dawsey love one another, she proposes to him. He accepts, giving Juliet the family and home she had gradually found on the island.

In early 1946, writer Juliet Ashton is tired of the humorous wartime persona that made her successful and cannot find the right subject for a new book. Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams writes because he owns a used Charles Lamb volume bearing her name and address. When Juliet helps him locate more books, she learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, invented on the spot after German soldiers caught several friends returning from an illicit roast-pig supper after curfew. Juliet begins corresponding with Dawsey, Amelia Maugery, Isola Pribby, Eben Ramsey, John Booker, and other members. Their accounts show how reading created fellowship during five years of occupation and how island life was shaped by shortages, deportations, forced labor, and children evacuated to Britain. The group's absent center is Elizabeth McKenna, who invented the society, resisted the occupiers, and had a daughter, Kit, with the humane German doctor Christian Hellman. Christian died during the war, and Elizabeth was sent to a concentration camp after helping a Polish laborer. Juliet's article develops into a deeper interest in the island. Although wealthy American Mark Reynolds is courting her in London, she decides to visit Guernsey and meet her correspondents.

Juliet settles easily into the society's life and grows especially close to Dawsey and to Elizabeth's daughter Kit. Her temporary stay becomes an attachment to the island, while Mark's visit makes clear that his preferred future would separate her from it. Remy Giraud, a French survivor who was imprisoned with Elizabeth, finally provides the truth: Elizabeth was executed at Ravensbrück after defending another prisoner from a guard. The islanders mourn but bring Remy into their circle, extending the habits of mutual care that sustained them during the occupation. Juliet abandons a more distant historical project and begins writing a book centered on Elizabeth and the society. She rejects Mark's proposal, accepts that Guernsey has become her home, and makes plans to adopt Kit. Dawsey's feelings remain hidden behind his reserve until Isola's amateur detection helps Juliet see what others already understand. Realizing she loves him, Juliet asks Dawsey to marry her. He accepts. Juliet sends Sidney news of the engagement along with the developing manuscript, ending with a new family formed from the people brought together by books, war, and correspondence.

Remy Giraud confirms that Elizabeth was killed at Ravensbrück after intervening when a guard attacked another prisoner. The news ends the islanders' remaining hope that she might return, but they preserve her place in their community by caring for Kit and by telling the truth about her courage. Juliet abandons her earlier book plan and begins writing the story of the occupation through Elizabeth and the society. She rejects Mark Reynolds because his vision of their future would require her to leave the island and the people who have become her family. Juliet arranges to adopt Kit. Isola's amateur investigation then helps Juliet recognize that Dawsey's reserve has concealed his love for her and that she returns it. Rather than wait for him to speak, Juliet asks Dawsey to marry her, and he accepts. Her final correspondence sends Sidney the manuscript and the news: her book, home, child, and partnership have all become rooted in Guernsey.