The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by

Ann Shaffer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Part 1: 20 Feb, 1946 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Juliet thanks Dawsey for sending white lilacs, her favorite flower, via Mr. Dilwyn—who explained that he'd do anything for Dawsey because of some soap. She mentions that she's received wonderful letters from Amelia and Isola, and had no idea that the Germans didn't even permit letters to or from Guernsey during the war. She admits she knows nothing of Guernsey and is off to the library to research. Juliet also mentions that she's heard that Elizabeth is still missing in France and offers hope that she'll come home soon. She includes a postscript asking for the story behind the soap for Mr. Dilwyn.
Juliet's response to Dawsey's flowers—especially compared to her thoughts about Mark's flowers—suggests that sending tokens like this is actually more effective when the recipient knows who's sending flowers and more about the sender's intentions. This removes the guesswork for Juliet and allows her to trust Dawsey, as he doesn't try to trick or bully her into accepting his gifts.
Themes
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