I am reading a fiction book that is surprising me with its insights. The author is Mary Ann Shaffer, and the title is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” Quite mouthful. In general, the plot follows a post-World War II authoress as she finds her way in the new world left behind after the war. She connects, via letter, to a group of people who lived on the Channel Islands during the war. She hears how reading books together literally kept their sanity during such bleak, desolate times. The books opened new windows for the farmers who had never before touched a book, as well as for the literary minded of the island who found themselves enjoying the insights of their neighbors.
Anyway, I ran across this quote from a “farmer” who had never been able to feel at home with his religion. This quote from Thomas Carlyle opened his eyes to his own responsibility for his own soul. I thought it was interesting:
Does it never give thee pause, that men used to have a soul — not by hearsay alone, or as a figure of speech: but as a truth that they knew, and acted upon! Verily it was another world then… but yet it is a pity we have lost the tidings of our souls…we shall have to go in search of them again, or worse in all ways shall befall us.
The author of this “letter” to the main character went on to relate the fact that psychiatrists “developed” the concept of ego right about the same time they denounced the idea of a soul. In other words, they cast God out and put man in his place.
Does this not feel somehow to be true of the days we live in now? Inside the church and out of it, it is time to realize that eternity is written in our hearts, that God truly SPEAKS. We can’t depend on our government to tell us right from wrong. We can’t even depend on our church leaders, true though they might be. We can’t depend on any ONE. We must depend on God.
It’s time to stop and hear Him speak in our souls.
I love books that make you think and entertain you all at once. This one does! This is a great book for people who love books. If you are interested in reading more, here are some related links:
Great review of the book from Blogher: http://www.blogher.com/book-review-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-society
The publisher’s site with info and author schedules: http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/guernsey/
Another review with some author history: http://calitreview.com/944
YouTube reading of some excerpts in a lovely British accent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7FBcYKl7RA
Finally, a YouTube showing some scenes from Guernsey. After this book…I’m there!
