English Channel and Its Islands

Hello, Folks

Reading an interesting book: THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY.  It is a wonderfully written quick read in epistemological format, and I love a voyeuristic peek...even if it is historic fiction. 

A London-based author becomes interested in the World War II reminiscences of Guernsey Island during Nazi occupation. After an initial introduction, our author begins a letter writing exchange with villagers who reveal their most intimate look at the hardships, heartache, and resilience they all experienced.

DON'T LET THE TITLE BE OFF-PUTTING. It made me want to dismiss it as silly and overly cute. As it is, the story is not well represented by the title at all by adding the words "and Potato Peel Pie" and would have done better sooner without it. (They would have saved so much if they would have simply asked me.)

I was introduced to the existence of the English Channel Islands last year during my visit to Normandy. While trying to find a water taxi over the channel, I was checking out a map and saw them. It tickled me seeing islands named Guernsey and Jersey. "Don't they know they are cows?" I thought before realizing within a split second that the cows were probably named after the islands.

What amazes me is that they are part of the  United Kingdom rather than France. Believe me, I don't begrudge the Crown any, it just seems to make more sense for France to have them since they are so close. Then the thoughts of the Philippines enters my mind and I move on to other related topics.

Remember this red hot tip: if you find a great book to read you won't think about what is going on on Capital Hill....or at least you'll have a break from it for a little.  Enjoy.