Penelope Fitzgerald was a British author born on December 17, 1916, in Lincoln, England. She is best known for her novels, which often explore themes of human relationships and the complexities of life. Fitzgerald's writing style is characterized by its wit and keen observation, earning her critical acclaim and several literary awards. Throughout her career, Fitzgerald published numerous works, including The Bookshop, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1978. She received the Booker Prize in 1979 for her novel Offshore. Fitzgerald's literary contributions have made her a significant figure in 20th-century literature, and she passed away on April 28, 2000.