The book is told primarily from the point of view of Juliet Ashton, a reporter for the Spectator during WWII, and now a writer in search of a meaningful subject for her next book. My vote for Juliet is the lovely and talented Emily Blunt. Another staffer recommended Rosamund Pike. Juliet's close relationship with her publisher Sidney forms the basis of much of the book. Sidney is an imposing man with a wry sense of humor. Guernsey co-author Annie Barrows shared with me that in her mind, Sidney is a tall man. I vote for Nathaniel Parker, known to many from the Inspector Lynley series on PBS. Sidney's sister Sophie is Juliet's closest friend. She and Juliet have known each other since boarding school and Sophie is Juliet's touchstone. Jennifer Ehle would be perfect! Juliet is wooed by a rich American publisher who appreciates her intellectual attributes as much as her physical ones. He's a little cocky, and very, very self-assured. Dermot Mulroney fits the bill perfectly.
Emily Blunt as Juliet * Nathaniel Parker as Sidney *Jennifer Ehle as Sophie * Dermot Mulroney as Markham Reynolds
Juliet receives a letter from Guernsey that launches her friendship with the literary society there. She begins to communicate with various members of the society: Amelia, the matriarch of the group; Eben, who lost his daughter and grandchild the day the Nazis arrived on the island; John Booker, the recovering alcoholic and amateur actor and Isola, whose potions and remedies were much talked about (and as much avoided).
Maggie Smith as Amelia * Denis Lawson as Eben * Rupert Everett as John Booker * Emma Chambers as Isola
It is Juliet's relationship with Dawsey that forms the heart of the book. Dawsey writes to Juliet in order to track down more work by Charles Lamb. Their friendship deepens as Juliet begins to understand the impact of the occupation on the islanders and their close-knit community. Richard Armitage (one of favorite actors!) would be perfect as the quiet, contemplative Dawsey. There is one character who is the soul of the book, but is missing from the island.Elizabeth is a firebrand who protects her friends and family against Nazi injustice and pays for it. Justine Waddell would be good as Elizabeth's quick-thinking, quick-acting character.
Richard Armitage as Dawsey * Justine Waddell as Elizabeth
Once you've read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I'd love to hear about your fantasy cast for the film.
Take Note: the Guernsey banner on our website includes a secret link. Find it, click it and win a free signed copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society courtesy of Random House and University Book Store.
