My parents were and continue to be the core inspiration behind my love of and need for literature and writing. I miss the fun we’d have had talking about this novel, particularly with my dad, Joe, a warm, magnificent man for whom the Irish ethos was a living, breathing reality. I’m grateful to the legendary P. J. Curtis for his generous translations of the story’s Irish Gaelic passages. Words cannot express my gratitude to my amazing literary agent, Marly Rusoff, who took a chance on an unknown writer because she “fell in love” with this novel. And I feel extremely honored to have the unparalleled Nan Talese as my editor. These two women are superb in every way, and it means everything that they believe in my writing.
I owe a special debt to my daughter Kate Barrett whose insightful suggestions always enhance my work. And last, I dedicate all my writing to my best friend and love of my life, my husband, Greg Peterson, who is always generous, understanding, and supportive. I love having you with me for each step of my life (even when we have to retrace them because you dropped your glasses on the beach).