Picture a late-blooming American storyteller who spun a heartwarming tale of books and friendship at 74—meet Mary Ann Shaffer! Best known for her debut novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Shaffer crafted a charming epistolary story that became a global sensation, even hitting the big screen on Netflix. Her journey from librarian to bestselling author is as inspiring as the quirky islanders she brought to life.
Though Shaffer passed away just before her book’s 2008 publication, her legacy endures through a novel that celebrates resilience, literature, and human connection in the shadow of World War II. Let’s dive into her remarkable life and the story that made her a literary darling.
The Making of Mary Ann Shaffer
Born in 1934 in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Mary Ann Shaffer grew up with a love for stories that would shape her career. Before writing, she wore many hats—editor, librarian, and bookseller—each role steeping her in the world of words. Her passion for literature led her to research a biography on Kathleen Scott, wife of polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott, but a trip to Guernsey in 1976 changed everything. Stranded at the airport due to fog, Shaffer immersed herself in books about the island’s German occupation during World War II, planting the seed for her future novel.
Despite her literary ambitions, Shaffer didn’t start writing her novel until her later years, encouraged by her book club to finally put pen to paper. Her journey proves it’s never too late to chase a dream, and her deep connection to books shaped her unique voice.
Mary Ann Shaffer’s Unforgettable Stories
Shaffer’s only published work, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, is a historical novel co-authored with her niece, Annie Barrows. Set in 1946, it follows writer Juliet Ashton, who stumbles upon a quirky book club on Guernsey through a series of letters. The epistolary format—unfolding entirely through correspondence—gives the story an intimate, conversational charm, like reading a friend’s heartfelt notes. The novel weaves humor, romance, and poignant reflections on the war’s impact, celebrating literature’s power to unite people.
Shaffer’s style is warm and witty, with a knack for creating eccentric, lovable characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists. Her themes of resilience and community shine through, inspired by the real-life struggles of Guernsey’s residents during the occupation. Though she planned other works, including a biography, her health declined before she could complete them, leaving Guernsey as her sole literary gem.
The novel’s success was meteoric—it hit #1 on The New York Times bestseller list for paperback trade fiction in 2009 and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Its 2018 film adaptation, directed by Mike Newell and starring Lily James, brought Shaffer’s story to new audiences, cementing its place in popular culture.
Why Mary Ann Shaffer Matters
Mary Ann Shaffer’s impact lies in her ability to craft a story that resonates across generations. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society isn’t just a novel; it’s a love letter to books, friendship, and the human spirit’s triumph over adversity. Its epistolary style, rare in modern fiction, invites readers into a world of intimate connections, while its historical setting sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II.
Shaffer’s late-in-life success inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and persistence can bloom at any age. Her work continues to charm book clubs and readers worldwide, proving that a single, well-told story can leave a lasting mark.
About Mary Ann Shaffer
- Born: 1934, Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Key Work: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008)
- Career: Editor, librarian, bookseller
- Legacy: Bestselling novel adapted into a 2018 Netflix film
Ready to fall in love with a quirky, heartfelt tale? Snag The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and dive into Mary Ann Shaffer’s enchanting world of books and bonds!