All the Devils Are Here(146)

We were all to gather at the home of her close friend Sally Richardson, the longtime publisher of St. Martin’s Press, to celebrate Hope’s retirement. But two weeks before that, Hope suffered a heart attack, and passed away. Her beloved Charlie and daughters Rebecca and Emma at her side.

The loss is incalculable. As is her contribution to literature. The books she edited and improved, including mine. The writers she worked with and improved, including me. The young editors she mentored.

Hope was a passionate supporter of all things literary, from libraries to bookstores, from theatre to books of all genres.

It breaks my heart that Hope is no longer with us, but I take comfort in imagining her sitting with Michael by the fireplace in the bistro. Waiting for us.

As I write this, I’m looking at one of the many gifts she sent. It’s a pillow and on it is written:

Goodness Exists.