A Castle in Brooklyn(78)
It was Deborah who finally broke the silence, turning back to Florrie, her blue eyes wistful as she spoke.
“If only this house were mine.”
Florrie looked out at the old apple tree and then at her young companion. She placed her wrinkled hand upon Deborah’s young, softer one, and smiled.
“Oh, I think it already is.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book is the culmination of a long-awaited dream. From the time I was a young girl penning ambitious novels like The Mystery of the Three Red Gowns, through my college years and beyond as I wrote stories about my parents’ devastating experiences during the Holocaust, I have wanted to become not just an author but a published author. I am grateful that I can now finally say that I am.
My list of those responsible for this is long, but at the top is my agent, Eve Attermann at William Morris, who from the start believed in my work, then helped me shape it to be something others could believe in too. Her expertise and enthusiasm have helped me believe in myself. I must thank my son, Charlie, for putting me in touch with Eve and for his constant reminder to “just keep writing.” I will forever be grateful.
This book wouldn’t be what it is without Carmen Johnson, senior editorial director, along with the team at Little A. She saw potential in this manuscript and helped me fulfill that potential through her astute comments, meticulous editing, and encouraging words. I am so lucky to be working with her.
I would be remiss in forgetting my friend and mentor Ben Camardi, who has encouraged me for the past ten years of my writing career. He gave me faith in myself when I most needed it.
A writer is nothing without her readers, and I am grateful to have a group of friends and relatives who, without fail, eagerly read my works and provide honest and supportive advice.
Three friends stand out in this regard. My lifelong friend, Marcie Ruderman, a brilliant editor and excellent writer, has never hesitated to read my work and provide in-depth commentary regarding the novel and its characters. From kitchen table to beach blanket, she has spent countless hours schlepping and reviewing my manuscript, and I am grateful for it all. Donna Danzig, a dear longtime friend, always steps up to read from the perspective of “an average reader.” As a friend, though, there is nothing average about her, and I warmly thank her for her insightful comments and advice during our long discussions on the phone. My colleague and friend Dr. Helena Swanicke is the busiest person I know but has always been there for me with invaluable advice and encouragement.
I deeply appreciate the honest feedback on this novel from Emily Russak, Linda Herschfeld, Flo Teitelman, Jaime Wachtel, Melissa Gelfman, Susan Strumwasser, Harriet Brown, Sue Saad, Lois Zeidner, Marge Kuchinsky, Linda Lidor, and Cindy Rothenberg. Special thanks to Renee Price for her years of encouragement.
This book is about family, and it is the love of my family that inspires me every day. To Howie, Brad, and Charlie, the best sons a mother could ask for, I give my love and thanks. My deepest appreciation to Jaime and Elisha, who have become true daughters. I thank my brother, Jack, for the shared memories; and for Emily, who has become a sister. I am beyond grateful for my granddaughters, Zoey and Emmy, who give me joy every day and renewed hope for the future. Words are not enough to thank Arthur, my husband, the man who is always by my side and without whom nothing is possible.
Finally, I want to thank my dear parents, Charles and Betty Russak, who emerged from the depths of despair to provide their children with the possibility of a better world. My mother gave me the security of her abiding love, and my father showed me that with that love I could do anything—even become a published author. It is their voices and the voices of all the immigrants like them, seeking to build their own castles, that fill the pages of this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shirley Russak Wachtel is the daughter of Holocaust survivors and was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a doctor of letters degree from Drew University and for the past thirty years has taught English literature at Middlesex College in Edison, New Jersey. The mother of three grown sons and grandmother to two precocious granddaughters, she currently resides in East Brunswick, New Jersey, with her husband, Arthur. For more information visit www.shirleywachtel.com.