ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MY EDITOR, KATE MEDINA, UNDERSTOOD THE VISION of this book from its conception; my thanks are on every page. Louise Erdrich, darkling sister, was invaluable as both writer and friend. My agent, Lane Zachary, offered her usual blend of enthusiasm and Buddhist calm. Andrea Cohen, poet and jokester, reminded me always of the seriousness of humor. of this book from its conception; my thanks are on every page. Louise Erdrich, darkling sister, was invaluable as both writer and friend. My agent, Lane Zachary, offered her usual blend of enthusiasm and Buddhist calm. Andrea Cohen, poet and jokester, reminded me always of the seriousness of humor.

The emotional staying power I needed to tell this story came from many sources. For their grace and kindness, within the story itself and to me afterward, my great thanks and love to Mark Morelli, Sandra Shea, Rebecca Knapp, and David Herzog.

My home fires were tended by an exceptional group of friends: Peter and Pat Wright, Kathy and Leo De Natale, Avery Rimer, Rick Weissbourd, Peter James, Marjorie Gatch.e.l.l, Eliza Gagnon, Louisa Williams, and the Sat.u.r.day night gang. Amy Kantor and Beth Shepherd took care of me in every way. I know it would make Caroline happy that this list is so long and full. Finally, my love and grat.i.tude to d.i.c.k Chasin, who knew the depth of my grief as well as the journey through it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GAIL C CALDWELL was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism in 2001. She is the former chief book critic of was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism in 2001. She is the former chief book critic of The Boston Globe The Boston Globe and the author of and the author of A Strong West Wind A Strong West Wind. She lives in Cambridge, Ma.s.sachusetts.