The Guernsey Society

Ebenezer Le Page by G B Edwards

The Book of Ebenezer Le Page by G B Edwards is the classic Guernsey novel. It is the fictional autobiography of Guernsey, Ebenezer Le Page, fisherman, tomato grower, philosopher. It traces his life from the late 19th century through to the 1960s. On the way, it takes in the devestating impact of World War I on a generation, the harrowing experience of German Occupation during World War II, and the development of the tourism and finance industries in the years since. Against this backdrop, it follows the family feuds, his on-off relationship with Liza Queripel, his search for an heir and his friendship with a young artist, Neville Falla.

First published 1981, it was recognised as a classic not only in Guernsey, but worldwide. It was translated into French, and published in the US. It has been adapted into a BBC Radio serialisation, and a stage play, The Islander.

As of August 2007, it is now back in print thanks to the New York Review of Books.

Order a Copy

The Book of Ebenezer Le Page (New York Review Books Classics)

The Book of Ebenezer Le Page (New York Review Book Classics)

Reading Group Guide

To accompany the launch, the New York Review of Books has published a Reading Group Guide, which is available here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required - see sidebar for link).

About the Author - GB Edwards

GB Edwards and Clarrie BellotLittle is known about Gerald Edwards (pictured right seated) - he grew up in Guernsey, attended the States Intermediate School, attended Bristol University, and worked as a teacher and civil servant. He showed considerable promise as a writer although he destroyed much of his work. He longed to return to his native Guernsey, but had been cheated out of his inheritance through his father's second marriage - so on his retirement he settled in Dorset - the closest part of England to Guernsey. It was there during the 1970s that he met the young Edward Chaney who encouraged him to complete The Book of Ebenezer Le Page.

In 1994, Edward Chaney gave a talk to the Guernsey Society on Gerald Edwards and the writing of Ebenezer Le Page. You can buy a copy of this article in Adobe Acrobat format and receive it via email.

Do you know?

Although The Book of Ebenezer Le Page is fictional, there are many references to real island characters, such as Steve Picquet, the hermit of Pleinmont, Clarrie Bellot (pictured standing above), the cobbler and Sir Ambrose Sherwill, Bailiff of Guernsey.

We are gathering any stories, photos and memories of these people - if you can help please get in touch.

Links