TRANSLATOR’S ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people helped me bring Melania Mazzucco’s novel to life in English; without them this project would have remained in its own form of limbo.

Giovanni Marizza, Lieutenant General, Italian Mountain Troops, and former Deputy Commander of the Multi-National Corps in Iraq, indefatigably explained Italian and coalition military hierarchies, equipment, and terminology.

George H. Calhoun, Captain, Infantry, U.S. Army, read several chapters of the manuscript, offering precisions and editorial advice that would make his mother proud.

Daniel Jewiss, former Master Sergeant in the CT Army National Guard, provided military expertise and brotherly encouragement.

Brendan Kelley, Team Leader, Third Battalion, Seventy-fifth Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army, shared precious military details and lingo from his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Deborah Miller coached me through Traian’s soccer match.

Gail Jewiss, R.N., guided me through Manuela’s operations.

Dr. Giancarlo Di Maggio counseled me on psychological terms.

Patricia Caprotti, Rita Fabbrizio, and Stefano Spadoni unflaggingly explicated the intricacies of Melania’s prose.

Miranda Popkey, my creative and ever-cheerful editor, refined the translation at every step.

My warmest thanks for their generosity, meticulousness, and patience.