ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing has never been a solitary experience or pursuit for me, so thank you first to Joshua, for being my first reader for the past sixteen years and for knowing all that time that this is something I have to do. Thank you to our son, Ezra, for learning by example.

Of course, thank you to Beth (or Beft, or Elizabelle, or one other she won’t let me record but believe me, it’s hilarious), for falling in love so hard that I couldn’t help loving Elsie more. Getting your continuous and ridiculously excited messages while you read Mem over Christmas break that year was one of the best experiences, as a writer.

To my CP, Stephanie Sauvinet, for your generous insight and feedback and for helping me so much in the drafting process. To Constance, who inspired the revision that made Mem what I always wanted it to be and whose passion for the historical invigorated me. To my lovely readers and dear friends Elena and Anna and Sasha, who always understand my voice and vision.

I’ve heard so many stories of artists whose families don’t understand what they do, and so I am eternally grateful for the fact that my work has always been supported, especially by my father, Wavery; my sisters, Anastasia and Jennifer; my best-friend-sister, Serrana; and the mama of my heart, Anne Marie.

My journey with Unnamed Press has been wonderful from the very beginning. Thank you for reading and falling in love with my story, Jennifer, Olivia, and Chris, and for believing that so many other people would, including publicity guru Kima Jones and her amazing assistant publicist, Allison Conner, at the remarkable Jack Jones Literary Arts. You’ve made my debut something truly special.

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