A trip in 2011 drew me in for the first time to the incredible story of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. It was not the only town in France that helped refugees and hid Jews, but it did the most to rescue the dignity of a country fawning at the perverse force of the Nazis.
In 2016 I visited Le Chambon-sur-Lignon with my family. First and foremost, it was an internal journey that taught us the value of human life and the importance of never giving up.
I would like to thank the Lieu de Mémoire au Chambon-sur-Lignon for their kind welcome and the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to those who helped fight for persecuted people during World War II.
I am indebted to Richard P. Unsworth and Pierre Boismorand for their biographies of André Trocmé and his wife, Magda. Also helpful in understanding the facts about Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and its protagonists were the books of Peter Grose, Albin Michel, Patrick Gérard Henry, Bertrand Solet, and Patrick Cabanel.
I also want to thank Pierre Sauvage for his magnificent documentary Weapons of the Spirit, which rescued the memories of what happened in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon at a time when French society still preferred to look the other way.
Jean-Louis Lorenzi’s 1994 film La Colline aux Mille Enfants also included a helpful portrayal of some of what occurred in Le Chambon.
I want to thank Elisabeth, Andrea, and Alejandro, who went with me to the beautiful meadows of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and were as excited as I was to see the story of those valleys come to life.
I cannot leave out all those who sent me throughout the Americas to promote my last novel, Auschwitz Lullaby: my good friend Ana Matonte, the creative and endearing Berenice Rojas, the kind and happy Karla Nájera, the dynamic and tireless Jorge Cota, and the always smiling and prepared Selene Covarrubias.
My gratitude goes to the publishers of Del Nuevo Extremo, Miguel Lambré and his wonderful sons Martín and Tomás, who hosted us in Buenos Aires, offering their friendship and affection along with a tour of the Immigrant Hotel. What exquisite Argentine beef! And what exquisite company!
To my dear friend, the author Eduardo Goldman, who received me so warmly in his lovely city.
To the entire team of HarperCollins Español, who work their fingers to the bone day in and day out to keep this great editorial ship moving forward: Graciela, Lluvia, Carlos, and so many others.
To my good friend Roberto Rivas, for that night of tangos and confessions.
To my dear friend Larry Downs, who still believes that books can change the world.
To the tens of thousands of bookworms inspired by my writing who will devour these pages with their insatiable eyes.