Film Synopsis: Lily James plays free-spirited journalist Juliet Ashton, who forms a life-changing bond with the delightful and eccentric Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, when she decides to write about the book club they formed during the occupation of Guernsey in WWII. In cinemas April 20th.

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Juliet Ashton (Lily James) samples a local recipe invented by the islanders out of scarcity during the occupation.
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Occupation

Much changed during the Occupation, starting with a shift to Central European time and curfews. Identity and ration cards were issued and a population census conducted to identify all those who remained. Unknown at the time, this information would be used to enforce unpalatable laws.

SS Vega
The Red Cross provided a lifeline for starving civilians. Courtesy of The Priaulx Library & Occupation Archive

Living Through The Occupation

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Guernsey Residents

With radios forbidden, Islanders were cut off from Britain. Any information on the progress of the war was filtered and distorted by Nazi propaganda. Despite little communication with the outside world and a huge enemy population, there were still small acts of resistance. Minor acts, such as painting V signs over German swastikas, were frequent. Some Islanders sheltered escaped slave workers despite the severe cost if discovered.

Guernsey Jumper
Dawsey is seen wearing a blue jumper throughout the film. Originally knitted for local fishermen, the Guernsey Jumper has become fashionable around the world. Courtesy of Canal Studios
Guernsey Gin
Guernsey Gin features heavily in the film. Today you can take gin tours and have tastings with local producers. Courtesy of Wheadon's Gin

Following D-Day, supplies to the Island dried up. By winter of 1944, Guernsey was on starvation rations, locals and Germans alike were at risk of starvation. The arrival of the Swedish ship SS Vega, chartered by the International Red Cross to bring in food and supplies, did much to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

The History Behind the Film Courtesy of Studio Canal
  • The History Behind the Film
  • The SS Vega
  • German Occupation
  • Occupation Life
Visit Guernsey

The Real Secret Society of the Occupation

While all the Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Society hid from the Germans was a roasted pig, there were many real groups on the island sneaking out past curfew and meeting at covert locations during the Occupation.

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Visit Guernsey

The Real Gin Makers of Guernsey

While alcohol was scarce during the war, today there is an abundance of locally produced alcohol and fine-drinking establishments to visit - whether you are a fan of craft beers or artisanal gin.

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Guernsey Gin Tasting Experience

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