It takes so many people to make a book, and there have been some particularly brilliant people who have contributed their talents to this one. I am grateful for the editing expertise and generous enthusiasm of the legendary Kate Miciak, as well as the support of Julia Maguire, Christine Mykityshyn, and all those on the Ballantine team. Huge thanks to Nina Pronovost, and to Zoe Maslow, Adria Iwasutiak, and everyone at Penguin Random House Canada.
To my agent, Caradoc King, for believing in Clara Vine from the time she was just a twenty-six-year-old actress fresh off the train to Berlin, and to fellow writers Elizabeth Buchan, Liz Jensen, Amanda Craig, Kate Saunders, and Anne Sebba for cheering her along.
My special thanks go the wonderful Joanna Coles, whose gift for friendship has been unrivaled since the day we met on a Fleet Street newspaper diary column. To John Carey, whose encouragement and enthusiasm have been a constant inspiration, and to my children, William, Charlie, and Naomi, who patiently steer conversation away from World War II to the more important topics of social life, travel arrangements, and food in the fridge.
I never imagined, when Clara Vine first stepped off that train in the Friedrichstrasse station, that I would follow her so far. But her destiny piqued questions in me that demanded answers about how she would come to terms with her past, what war would bring, and what her future might be. It has been wonderful to continue her story, and I hope you enjoy it.