The Netflix film adaption of Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrow’s historical novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, invites you to a forsaken island invaded by German forces in the midst of World War II, where writer Juliet Ashton forms unexpected relationships with members of a book club.

Due to the good acting, I could believe the bond between each character. Though different in many ways, they remained each other’s chosen family through the horrors that came from the war and even displayed good humor in the midst of their troubles.

“Propriety is concern for other people. When that goes out the window, the gates of hell are shortly opened and ignorance is king,” said Eben Ramsey, eldest member of the society. 

The delivery of this quote is one of my favorite moments from the movie, because Ramsey was able to mock a Nazi officer who was watching their meeting and fell asleep. The other characters started laughing with each other and poked fun at the officer.

While there were a handful of humorous bits in the film, the meat of the story involves each of the character’s internal battles within the German occupancy, which revealed family secrets that challenged Ashton’s purpose as the movie progressed. Her role as a writer evolved into something much deeper.

A last minute embark to a forgotten island for a news story turns into a heartbreaking mystery that leads to lifelong friends. 

This historical period drama reminded me that people come into our lives for a reason and that doing the right thing can come with tremendous cost. There is much to take from this moving historical drama. 

Unlike Ramsey’s unseasoned and unbuttered potato peel pie, this Netflix original doesn’t require gin to enjoy.