The lines from The Odyssey are from the great Richmond Lattimore translation (Harper Perennial Library).
A historical note on Mrs. Hamilton's illness: in the wake of the Spanish flu pandemic, sleeping sickness (encephalitis lethargica) struck five million people worldwide between 1918 and 1927. The illness was the subject of Oliver Sacks's book Awakenings.
The first draft of this novel was completed while I was a visiting fellow at Hawthornden Castle International Retreat for Writers in Scotland. I am indebted to Dame Dru Heinz for her generosity.
Wendy Sherman, my wonderful agent, and Jane Rosenman, my brilliant editor, helped bring the book to fruition.
The following people gave me support and inspiration. My mother, Adelene Simons Sharratt, provided details on Minnesota farm life. Ellen Cooney told me I needed to have balls. Greg Hyduke taught me all about Winchester rifles. Sandra Gulland gave me fabulous criticism and career advice. I am deeply indebted to Susan Ito, Gayle Brandeis, and everyone in my on-line writing group. I also wish to express my gratitude to the Munich Writers Workshop, my friends at Readerville, the two California groups that welcomed me, the Monday Night Group, and everyone at Womenswrite in Manchester, England, especially Cathy Bolton. Cath Staincliffe, Jane Stubbs, Margaret Batteson, and Julia Brosnan read my manuscript with great care and delivered valuable feedback.
Finally I would like to thank everyone who read Summit Avenue and asked me when my next book would be available. Her readers are a writer's great love.