Hey, wait a minute. I read this novel a few years ago and although it had romantic elements, it told the reader a lot about the horrors of the German occupation of the Channel Islands, and its aftermath. How the disruption of life in an isolated community might be more severe than in other places.
Well, yes that's here, but it gets far less play than watching Lily James choose a mate. When historical fiction becomes historical romance, it can be a disservice to the material and I think that was the case here. Hire a director that made FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL and a movie can take a decided altar turn.
Writer, Juliet begins a correspondence with a fellow on Guernsey and his stories about the occupation cause her to travel there and meet the members of his reading club. But we hear very little of those stories and even the central one is squeezed in amongst more romantic interludes. Cute kids, scenic vistas, kooky characters, pigs and sheep take center stage too. So if you have come to learn, dear viewer, she married him.
However, taken on its own terms, it was not a complete waste of two hours. It's on Netflix.
6 comments:
I think I'll find the book more interesting. I find the Channel Islands fascinating .
Diane and her Book Club read THE CUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY and loved it. I'm sure they'll want to watch this Netflix version. They might even like all the romance.
I had to do a double take, as, growing up in southern California, the Channel Islands are Catalina Island, Santa Maria Island, and the others in that chain off the California coast. But then, of course, you meant the English Channel Islands...
Oh, I had never heard of the west coast Channel Islands and barely the English ones before this. Yes, it is a charming romantic movie, just not as historical as I hoped.
"We are descrete"? Seriously?
Kill. The. Spammer.
I've been wondering what this film would be like. I'm glad you don't regret watching it.
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