ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My agent, Sloan Harris, provided countless insights into the troubles that beset earlier versions of this work, and proved himself the embodiment of patience, perseverance, and good humor. Dan Conaway, my editor, left no line unturned in his effort to make the novel all that it could be, and has a grasp of storytelling magic that is a gift to any writer. Jill Schwartzman, Kristin Ventry, Sandy Hodgman, and Liz Farrell have all gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The many people whose close reads and thoughtful advice were invaluable include Katharine Cluverius, Jesse Dorris, Jake Morrissey, Mary Ann Naples, Marcia Olson, Rose Olson, and Olga Vezeris. I’m grateful to Cameron Olson for supplying critical information about military history, and to Sean Hemingway for a backstage look at the Metropolitan Museum. Vasili Andreopoulos’ memories of the German occupation of his village in Kozani were among the first inspirations for this work. And the support shown to all my writing endeavors by my entire family, including Brad, Laura, and Big Neil, has been faith-sustaining.
I am deeply indebted to the works of countless authors, among them Helen C. Evans, Dan Hofstadter, John Lowden, John Julius Norwich, David Talbot Rice, Steven Runciman, C. M. Woodhouse, and especially Mark Mazower. Any errors or deliberate departures from fact for dramatic purposes are upon my head, of course.
Greatest thanks and deepest love go to Caroline Sutton, who was my first reader, editor, sounding board, provider of names and colors, and comic relief-and who got me up at six o’clock every morning.
About the Author
Neil Olson, the grandson of Greek immigrants, works in the publishing industry and lives in New York City with his wife.
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