I would LIKE TO THANK MANY PEOPLE WHO PUT THEIR TWO cents, or more, into this book. First, the early readers of the manuscript: my mother-in-law, Gertrude Penziner (how was I blessed with such a mother-in-law?), my husband, Alan S. Penziner (whose wit and weird erudition never ceases to amaze me), and my daughter, Kate Marantz Penziner (who is not Stephanie but who did help with Stephanie’s dialogue). I also want to thank my delightful research assistant, Irina Teperman, who hunted down background material and served as a touchstone for my ideas.
Other thanks go to those who served as informational resources. On literary and pedagogical matters: Rosetta Marantz Cohen and Sam Scheer. On Philadelphia geography: Barbara Coleman and Sue and Phil Lipkin. On the Venetian ghetto and sundry Italian details: Lauren Weinberger, Fred Abbate, and Mort and Annette Levitt. On Jewish law and lore: Phyllis Markoff. Special thanks to Rabbi Ramy of the Chabad of Venice, who answered my e-mails and whose responses I hope to have accurately incorporated.
I am also grateful to Rosemary Abbate, who never ceased cheerleading for this book, to Albert DiBartolomeo (aka Liza), my literary therapist, and to the conversational and culinary support
of my dear friends Mark and Vivian Greenberg. Others who have provided support and advice include Bella Stander, Karen Simonides, Carolyn Hessel, Don Riggs, and Marsha L. Mark.
I could not have written this—or anything else—without my family. The influence of my father, Murray S. Cohen, and the memory of my mother, Ruth Marantz Cohen, inform everything I do.
I count myself blessed to have Felicia Eth as my agent and the brilliant Hope Dellon as my editor.
Finally, I want to thank Drexel University, where I have taught for over twenty years. Early portions of the novel were presented at the Honors Research Forum for the Drexel Pennoni Honors College, the Writing Gala for the Drexel Online Journal (DOJ), and the Betty and Milton Shostak Lecture for Drexel Hillel. I am grateful to my academic mentor, Dave Jones; to my supportive department head, Abioseh Porter; and to the university in general for allowing me to range so widely in my work. Most of all, I want to thank my Drexel students, who have helped me stay fresh as a teacher, thinker, and writer.