I am exceedingly grateful to Thảo Tran, who edited this manuscript. Her input was invaluable. She corrected and supplied proper salutations and honorifics for the Vietnamese characters in the story. Furthermore, her knowledge of Vietnamese history, customs, and proper nomenclature helped me avoid errors. Any that remain are on me. She also created the glossary. I could not have published this novel without her.
My gratitude extends also to Chi Nguyen Bach, whom I met through my water aerobics instructor (one of those “small world” stories), Susan Brierton. With Susan’s help, I interviewed Chi, who escaped Vietnam with her family in 1975 and eventually settled in Chicago. Mai’s journey in the novel has similarities to Chi’s. Michael Duffy, author of From Chicago to Vietnam: A Memoir of War, graciously allowed me to use a scene from his memoir. Jason Fischer, a student of Buddhism, helped ensure the references to Buddha and his teachings were accurate. Again, any remaining errors are mine alone. Thanks also to Philip Krasny, whose enthusiasm and ideas helped enormously.
My early readers included Reba Meshulam, Philip Krasny, Angela Baldree, Eric Arnall, Tim Chapman, Billie Fischer, Kent Krueger, Cara Black, and Emily Victorson. Thank you for your feedback. You helped make this a better book.
I also want to acknowledge graphics designer Miguel Ortuno, whose cover designs always speak to me (and, hopefully, you), and Sue Trowbridge, whose interior design is professional and meticulous, as is her management of my website and other digital entities. Once again, Eileen Chetti was my copy editor and helped me avoid embarrassment with her astute editing.
Gratitude also goes to Teresa Ellet Russ, Pam Stack, and Wiley Saichek, whose support, aid, and comfort are irreplaceable.