The Unruly Passions of Eugenie R. (58 page)

I am extraordinarily grateful for early support from the Five College Women's Studies Research Center, and deepest thanks go to Susan Petersen Kennedy and Clare Ferraro at the Penguin Group for allowing me to structure my time to take advantage of the center's fellowship. Writing does not always fit easily or comfortably into a book editor's life, and my publishing colleagues have been patient, forgiving, and kind. I have had the honor of working with many authors at the Penguin Group, and they have taught me a great deal—especially about grace under pressure and sustaining faith in one's work despite the vicissitudes of life and the publishing environment. I draw constantly on their example and thank them from the bottom of my heart.

My gratitude goes to Susan Fox Rogers for her original introduction to the beauty of the Gers as well as its goose-women; to Arthur Levine-Ferrante, Ruth Ozeki Lounsbury, Ann Imbrie, and Carol Houck Smith for their creative support early in the novel's development and our many wonderful conversations about writing. Ann Rosalind Jones has been my teacher in so many ways. Lisa Holton, Karen Magee, and Peggy Pyle have made “dinner parties” a sustaining force. Andrew DeSanti's gifts over the years, not least of which is the example of his own tenacity, have encouraged me to persist. Betsy Lerner was an early ally and friend of this project; Rosemary Ahern's knowing editorial hand led me out of the woods of several drafts of the manuscript; and Robin Straus took on the book with conviction and confidence.

At Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Adrienne Brodeur's formidable advocacy, her sharp and fearless insights, her generosity, and her rigor have taught me a great deal about a job I thought I knew. For the manuscript's final polish, wholehearted thanks to Susanna Brougham's excellent eye, and to Lisa Glover. Also, my appreciation goes to Michaela Sullivan, Hannah Harlow, and Michelle Bonanno for the presention of the novel.

Above all, to my partner and
amie-coeur­
in the truest sense, Gail Hornstein, gratitude for her sustaining and wide-ranging mind, her intrepid companionship, her listening heart, and her unflagging faith. Both Eugénie and I owe her more than I can ever express.