This book started its journey in Turku, European Capital of Culture 2011!





MARY ANN SHAFFER was born in 1934 in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She worked as an editor, a librarian and in bookshops. She became interested in Guernsey while visiting London in 1976. On a whim, she decided to fly to Guernsey but became stranded there as a heavy fog descended and no boats or planes were permitted to leave the island. As she waited for the fog to clear, she came across a book called Jersey Under the Jack-Boot, and so her fascination with the Channel Isles began. Many years later, when goaded by her own literary club to write a book, Mary Ann naturally thought of Guernsey. Mary Ann died in February 2008. She knew that this, her only novel, was to be published in thirteen countries. Before she died she wrote, 'I must tender special thanks to my niece, Annie, who stepped in to finish this book after unexpected health issues interrupted my ability to work shortly after the manuscript was sold. Without blinking an eye, she put down the book she was writing, pushed up her sleeves, and set to work on my manuscript. It was my great good luck to have a writer like her in the family, and this book could not have been done without her.' ANNIE BARROWS is the author of the Ivy and Bean series for children, as well as The Magic Half.

Books written in letter-form is not my thing. I gave this one many chances never quite getting a grip.

Thanks for sending this book to me, sobergirl. It got here much faster then I thought it would, but I was very happy and surprised to open the package this morning!

I absolutely loved this book. I removed it from my wishlist several times only to add it again every time I read a description of it. And I'm very glad I got to read it!
Although the book touches upon many heartbreaking events such as the Occupation, the Todt workers, the camps, the devastation of Europe and all the evil war brings with it, it is nevertheless a hopelessly upbeat novel about the strength people never know they had. It is so wonderfully optimistic and shows the strength and will to live and love that people always carry within. It is the kind of book that gives you hope for the rest of mankind even in times of crisis.
Thank you so much for sharing it with me, Sobergirl. I already promised this book to Soozreader in the wishlist-tag game, so it will return to Finland in just a little while!

On its way to Soozreader as part of the wishlist-tag-game. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Thank you very much for this book, I'll look forward to reading it!:)