Shortly after the war, writer Juliet Ashton (Lily James) is contacted by the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society requesting a book as a result of a shortage on the island. Intrigued by their circumstances and name she travels to Guernsey to understand their story and that of the islands occupation during World War 2.

Released in time for Guernsey and Jersey’s Liberation Day celebrations on May 9th this film with a mouthful of a title shows a slice of the islands history via a journalistic investigation into the lives of a small group of people. It’s perfectly fine entertainment with some emotionally effecting moments but not necessarily something that will stick in the mind. All the while it’s in front of you though it’s quite appetising.

Lily James is great as the forward thinking intelligent author who falls under the spell of the island and smouldering pig farmer Dawsey Adams (Michael Huisman). Whilst there is able support from the members of the society played by Katherine Parkinson, Tom Courtenay, Penelope Wilton and Jessica Brown-Findlay.

It’s perfect stable mate for a double bill would be last years Their Finest. A war-time tale with a strong female writer as the lead, an occasionally emotional story, but ultimately slight tale.