Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Biography
The creative union of Mary Ann Shaffer (1934-2008) and Annie Barrows (born 1962) resulted in the beloved historical novel, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." This unique collaboration began with Shaffer, who, driven by a lifelong passion for books and history, started writing the epistolary novel in her seventies. As her health declined, she entrusted her niece, Annie Barrows, an established children's author, with the task of completing the manuscript. Barrows meticulously refined and finished the novel, preserving Shaffer's distinctive voice and narrative charm. Published posthumously for Shaffer, the book became an international bestseller, lauded for its warmth, wit, and poignant depiction of life under German occupation during WWII. Their combined efforts produced an enduring testament to the power of literature, community, and human resilience.
Selected Thoughts
«Perhaps there is some secret language we learn in the womb, and, once born, forget.»
«Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.»
«Books, I found, have a way of whispering the most profound truths at the most opportune times.»
Writing Style
Epistolary, warm, witty, charming, character-driven, historically rich, poignant, and deeply engaging, creating an immersive experience through correspondence.