I am greatly indebted to those who read this book at various stages in its composition and offered their insights.Much thanks to André Alexis, Michael Helm, Dennis Lee, Tim and Nial Meagher, Michael Ondaatje, Anne Simard, Linda Spalding, Esta Spalding, and Eddy Yanofsky. Fashions by Ruth Marshall, with thanks. To my editor, Maya Mavjee, my agents Jennifer Barclay and Ellen Levine, and to Martha Kanya-Forstner, Carla Kean, Samantha Mitschka, and Adrienne Ball at Doubleday Canada, much gratitude as well. My thanks as well to Emily Salkin Takoudes at Little, Brown’s Back Bay Books, and Ravi Merchandani at Heinemann UK for their warmth and enthusiasm.
The translator of the quote from Alcestis that opens this book is Richard Lattimore.
The song on page 30 is “When Day is Done,” by Robert Katscher, 1926, English lyrics by B.G. DeSylva.
Finally, many thanks to Mary Lindsay and Eddy Yanofsky, who made me the gift of a space in their house to write. I spent two years of afternoons there and their friendship and generosity, known in these parts as typical, was greatly appreciated.
MR
Toronto 1992–2001
Martin Sloane Page 26
