The Guernsey Saga

The Guernsey Saga #1-3

by Diana Bachmann

Three unforgettable novels of love and survival in wartime Guernsey.

1940. An idyllic island is invaded. A close-knit family is separated.

As the Second World War erupts across Europe, a small, picturesque island in the English Channel is suddenly thrust into the conflict. The lives of those who call Guernsey home are torn apart, as they face betrayal, loss and the harsh reality of Nazi occupation.

Follow the lives of the Gaudion family as they attempt to survive the heartbreak of occupation and then try to rebuild their lives once the war is over. Amid the constant threat of violence, love endures, and the human spirit finds ways to survive — even thrive — in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Book One – A Sound Like Thunder
Book Two – An Elusive Freedom
Book Three – Winds of Change

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

791 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

Diana Mary Bachmann married with the also writer Christopher Nicole on 8 May 1982. They live in Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK, where she have located many of her books. The marriage also collabored under the pseudonym Max Marlow.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was three books in one. The first book and a half, pre WWII and tales of the evacuation of children, those stranded on Guernsey and the return of the refugees was fascinating. Once the story moved into the 50 s and beyond, the class and social concerns and the “new generation” story lines became wearisome and I just skimmed the last 100 pages. Book 1 was really a 4, but 3 is the average of the whole saga.

[CATHERINE M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable

I’ve read a fair amount of books about the English islands during the German invasion during World War Two. I have enjoyed them all and how each family survived. This book followed the family into the 70’s and how much the times changed and the effects on each surviving family member. I enjoyed it very much!

[Molly McCurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Romance

Learned a lot about a side of WWII that is not often spoken about- the Nazi occupation of the British Channel Island of Guernsey. This is a generational saga that explores how the war experiences affected the residents and their struggles to regain a sense of normalcy after the war ended.

[Marilea Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book. Many relationships used within families viewed from different angles. It hit on very real interactions yet had a great story base. A good read all around.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers three generations of a particular family. I thought the second of the three book series was the best. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and that got frustrating at times. The writing was pretty good and the characters likable. I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue after the first book, but the second book was better than the first, and the third book was a little slow for me. This book was just ok.

[Sid Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my normal sort of read but I did find it easy to read, good characters and very well portrayed. It’s covers 1930s to 1970s but doesn’t dwell on the war just describes hardships family suffered. This would make an excellent TV series.

[Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was brilliant and it was really interesting to hear about how it was for the islanders during the war. The following books were not quite so good. Still worth the read though.

[Leah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to the island of Guernsey was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I loved that book and learning of the resilience of the people during the German occupation of WWII. So when I happened across The Guernsey Saga I decided this would be a chance to learn more about the island while enjoying a good story. I was not disappointed. The characters were so well drawn, as the author took us from the period between the world wars to the 1970’s. From a relatively carefree time into the separations and deprivations during World War II, then the difficult times adjusting to the changes while “returning to normal” followed by societal changes and influx of tourists and new residents. With casual mentions of key events in the world, it was easy to imagine the time period of the evolving story.

[L's of Kauai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent three book series. Islanders lives affected by WW2 and the many years to follow. Mainly follows one family and the hardships they endured and how it affected everyone's lives.
Informative and entertaining.

[Judy Stambouly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been to Guernsey several times in the past. I loved this saga as I knew exactly where they spoke of and could picture it in my minds eye.
It was also terribly sad to actually read how the Islanders suffered during WW2.
I certainly recommend reading this saga.

[Nadine S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guernsey Saga Books 1-5

The books.take you from the beginning of the 2nd World War,to the present day. Generations living, raising their families, loving fighting ,and moral codes that are challenged by every new generation. Just a thrilling book. A real page turner

[Bonnye Reed]

MyNextRead

[Mrs Nicole M Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale of family life during WW11 and beyond

Thoroughly enjoyed the books. Covers many years and many changes, very well. Would recommend for a good interesting read
For anybody

[Sandy L Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

These books were not what I expected. But, they drew me in qickly and I enjoyed them greatly! I teally liked these books!

[joyce smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Saga of the families and friends.
It was well written. I recommend it.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the history, but I never really felt anything for the characters

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. Tried twice to get through this series. Just couldn’t.

[jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

warm and comfortable

Really enjoyed the pace of these books. So full of history yet seemed so familiar that I thoroughly enjoyed each book!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

786 pages of bleh.

[Jeanette Fay Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story, certainly kept me interested

[Mary Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guernsey Family Saga Books.

Three delightful tales following one family and their friends through generations. I love it when you can continue a story book after book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 was great, Book 2 was alright, Book 3 went off the rails by a mile.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story about family, relationships and how hard times bring out both the best and the worst of people. Over the course of these three books the Ozanne/Gaudion family experience births, deaths, marriages, divorces, war and the occupation by the Germans. Not as well written as other long family sagas, such as The Cazalet Chronicles, this was still quite enjoyable.

Many of the relationships that are the focus of the books are mothers and daughters and cover different generations. How similar they turn out to be, and yet as years go by how those relationships evolve along with the changes in society. It seemed to me that Guernsey was somewhat isolated from normal life in more populated parts of the world, at times to its detriment and at others to its benefit.

[Carolyn Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good