Kate Tindal of publishers Bloombury with the books at the local launch last month.

HOLLYWOOD could come to Guernsey now the film rights of a best-selling book about the island have been sold.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has been a best-seller in the United States. Now bookseller Mitchell Kaplan and film producer Paula Mazur plan to bring the book to the big screen – and they are looking to Guernsey for a backdrop.

Speaking from California, Ms Mazur  – who produced children’s film Nim’s Island – said: ‘There is something very wonderful about using the authenticity of a place in this sort of film. We are both very excited.’

Mr Kaplan approached her with the idea of making the book into a film. ‘We are attracted to the same books. While I was making Nim’s Island, a number of books we liked came up, but we did not have time to buy the rights. When we read this book, we moved fast to get it.’

Mr Kaplan is an independent bookseller for a small chain of stores in Florida and is keen to visit Guernsey.  ‘We would love to film it there,’ said Mr Kaplan, who put the popularity of the book down to interest in the Occupation.