Mary Ann Shaffer

Biography

Mary Ann Shaffer (1934-2008) was an American writer, best known for her only novel, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which became a posthumous international bestseller. Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Shaffer worked in various book-related professions throughout her life, including libraries, bookstores, and as an editor. Her deep love for literature and history culminated in her decision to write her own novel in her seventies. Inspired by a visit to Guernsey in 1980 and a keen interest in World War II, she painstakingly crafted the epistolary tale. Tragically, she passed away before the book's publication, leaving its completion to her niece, Annie Barrows, who ensured her aunt's vision was fully realized for readers worldwide. Shaffer's work is celebrated for its warmth, wit, and profound appreciation for the human spirit.