ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special note of profound gratitude to Dan Simon, publisher, Seven Stories Press, for his belief in my work, and for his integrity, thought, and care that have always been available to me. Thank you. Thank you.

Deep appreciation to my first readers who gave generously of their time and support: Jan Clausen, whose detailed and insightful attention to every nuance made a huge difference, thank you; Jane Lazarre, my talented and constant friend whose knowledge and whose devotion to my work never failed to spur me on. Thank you, Farah Jasmine Griffin, for your astute critiques that opened my thought and made the book more real. Thank you, Liz Gewirtzman, for taking the time to talk through the novel and for offering me the benefit of your insights. Thank you, Wesley Brown, for giving freely of your time to benefit my work and of course for your friendship. Thank you, Tom Engelhardt, for the constant support and ongoing belief in my work, and for always being there. Thank you as well to TomDispatch.com for publishing and disseminating my essays and supporting my books.

With deep appreciation for the friendship and ever-caring support of my work and much more, my profound gratitude to Elizabeth Strout, whose advice is always spot-on.

Thank you, Lauren Hooker, senior editor, Seven Stories Press, for the thoughtful and close care and nurturing of the book, especially during this trying pandemic year. Thank you, Katie Herman, for the insightful copyediting that helped to smooth the wrinkles. Thank you, Nicki Kattoura, Seven Stories Press, for reaching out and for the close reading of my book.

Thank you, Ruth Weiner, director of publicity, Seven Stories Press; I’m forever grateful for your careful attention to my books, past and present, which has made all the difference.

To the entire Seven Stories Staff, my admiration and deep appreciation for your amazing work to usher into the light a beautifully designed book and cover.

And, as always, a zillion thanks to my wonderful agent, Melanie Jackson, a national treasure.

For urging me on and being there when needed, thank you, Vicki Brietbart, Prue Glass, Barbara Schneider, Rina Kleege, Ellen Siegel, Joanne Nagano, Pat Walters, and Marsha Taubenhaus.

And to those who have aided and abetted in ways too numerous to describe, I thank: Denise Campono, Urszula Kopciuch, Cindy Harford, Anika Dobson, and Peggy Belenoff

To my family for their never-ending love and support, I am grateful to Robert and Sam Trestman, Judi Gologorsky Brand, Sam and Yudi Wiggins, and to Dr. Kenneth Trestman for his help and brilliant counsel.

And to the memory of the late Charlie Wiggins, I am ever thankful for his unfailing belief in the writing of this book.

I remain now and always profoundly grateful to Georgina, Dónal, and Maya, the lights of my life who make it all matter.