When I set out to write from the perspective of a young woman born and raised in a culture I’d never experienced, from a place I’d never visited, I knew that my first responsibility was to ask questions. Lots of them.
Lynn Joseph and Andre Daly answered. Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it, but I’ll say it anyway: Thank you! Lynn, I couldn’t have done this without your encouragement, your help, your willingness to push me to challenge my assumptions, and of course, your friendship. I’m so grateful our paths crossed. Andre, I sincerely appreciate your insider’s perspective on life in Tobago, and the fact that you didn’t laugh too hard at my many Americanisms. Because of you I now smile when I buy “locally sourced” produce!
Readers, Lynn and Andre kindly shared their knowledge and experience, bringing me to Trinidad and Tobago in a way that none of my other research could. Any mistakes or misrepresentations are my own.
I would also like to acknowledge the following people who’ve supported and inspired me in countless ways:
My amazing agent, Ted Malawer, who keeps on believing in me, cheering me on, and helping me shape and share my voice with the world. Ted, having both meaningful work and such a passionate advocate for it is a privilege for which I’m eternally grateful. Thanks also to Michael Stearns and everyone at Upstart Crow Literary who helps my books cross oceans and continents.
My publishing team, including Patrick Price, who followed me and the crew of the Queen of Cups to the depths of the sea in search of the pearls; Sara Sargent, who sailed this book through the finish line, which was no small feat; Regina Flath, First Mate of Design, because OMG that cover; Kelsey Dickson, Publicist of Awesome; and everyone who brought all hands on deck to support this book, including Mara Anastas, Craig Adams, Brian Luster, Nicole Ellul, Michael Strother, Kayley Hoffman, Carolyn Swerdloff, Liesa Abrams, Teresa Ronquillo, Christina Solazzo, and the entire Simon Pulse crew.
Jessi Kirby, the most dedicated literary soul mate ever. Jessi, every time I feared the worst, you were there with the good chocolate, saying, “You got this, Ockler!” I’m pretty sure our ability to “Be Amazing” together is matched only by our ability to fill up the recycle bin together, but I look forward to re-testing that theory for many years to come (by the sea, of course).
Zoe Strickland. Thanks for being in my corner, HT! Your texts and letters are always like a much-needed hug.
Leo Quinn, who gave the Black Pearl its name.
Anna Hutchinson, the original feminist killjoy. I’m honored to make the list.
My parents, my parents-in-law, and the family and friends who continue to read my stories no matter how many I write.
Librarians, booksellers, bloggers, and teachers, whose passion for reading keeps me coming back to the page with new ideas.
And most of all, my husband, Alex, my pet monster and bestie. Thank you for bringing me to the sea, and for giving me the most amazing adventures every day. As long as you’re with me, I’m home, and I’m okay.
Finally, dear readers, there’s one more thing I’d like to say, specifically to the teens and young adults reading this book.
As Elyse discovers, there are so many ways to lose one’s voice. Elyse’s initial loss is literal, but she comes to know and care for people who’ve experienced all kinds of silencing, both subtle and forceful, both accidental and purposeful.
The intentions and methods by which people silence one another may be wildly different, but the outcome is always the same: Someone’s voice goes unheard.
So, for anyone who has ever been hushed, shushed, shut down, shut up, shut out, shut off, cut off, flamed, shamed, silenced, suppressed, oppressed, dismissed, disempowered, discouraged, disrespected, rejected, ignored, intimidated, talked over, talked at, denied, cast aside, outshouted, outvoted, overlooked, unnoticed, unheard, or unacknowledged in any way: this is your acknowledgement, whenever you need it. I wrote this story for and because of you. Know that you’re not invisible. Know that you matter. Know that your voice matters. And know that there are people out there who want and need to hear that beautiful voice of yours, whenever you’re ready, however you’re able to express it.
Believe in you. I do.
With respect and admiration,
Sarah