The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Her first and only novel, and the sole independently documented book-length work she authored or co-authored.
Author guide
Mary Ann Shaffer Books in Order
Mary Ann Shaffer (1934–2008) was an American writer, editor, librarian, and bookseller from Martinsburg, West Virginia. She worked in publishing, bookstores, and public libraries before writing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, her first and only novel. She became fascinated with Guernsey and the German occupation of the Channel Islands after a 1976 visit. Shaffer's illness prevented her from completing the final revisions, which were undertaken by her niece and co-author, Annie Barrows. The novel was published posthumously in 2008.
historical fictionepistolary fictionromance
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Novels (1)
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
novel · 2008
“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet…
Frequently asked questions about Mary Ann Shaffer
Who was Mary Ann Shaffer?
Mary Ann Shaffer was an American writer, editor, librarian, and bookseller best known for her first novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Where was Mary Ann Shaffer from, and what did she do before becoming a novelist?
She was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, in 1934. Before writing fiction, she worked as an editor, librarian, and bookseller.
What inspired Mary Ann Shaffer to write about Guernsey?
During a 1976 visit, heavy fog stranded her on Guernsey, where she read about the Channel Islands’ wartime occupation. That experience sparked her lasting interest in the island and its history.
Did Mary Ann Shaffer write The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society alone?
No. She wrote it with her niece, Annie Barrows; after Shaffer became seriously ill, Barrows completed the requested revisions, and the novel was published posthumously in 2008.
Sources: lib.berkeley.edu (opens in a new tab)penguinrandomhouse.com (opens in a new tab)
What awards or lasting recognition did Mary Ann Shaffer receive?
Her novel was selected for the American Library Association’s 2009 Reading List. It also became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a feature film, extending Shaffer’s literary legacy after her death.
Sources: ala.org (opens in a new tab)global.penguinrandomhouse.com (opens in a new tab)