Pam, you started this wondrous, life-changing adventure for me. Thank you so much for writing that first email which I opened in the small hours of the morning in South Africa, telling me about your mother-in-law, Livia, who had seen a copy of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, recognised who the story was about, and her connection to Gita. You set in motion a sequence of events which has led to this publication. Thank you.
To my daughter Azure-Dea who sent me multiple text messages while I was in South Africa, telling me, ‘Mum, you have to read this email: Mum, open this email, you have to read it now.’ Who immediately saw in a small email the story which needed to be told; and that I should do all I could to tell it. Thank you, honey.
My dedication in this novel included the grandchildren of Cibi, Magda and Livia, most of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting, and whose support I am most grateful for. I can only imagine how proud you must be of the grandparents whose survival and bravery placed you on this earth.
Kate Parkin, managing director of adult trade publishing, Bonnier Books UK. In Cilka’s Journey I called you my friend; I now call you my dear, dear friend. From the moment I sent you Pam’s email and said I wanted, no, needed to follow this story, you have supported and encouraged me to write it and tell the world about three amazing sisters. You are without measure, and I remain honoured and blessed to be in your life.
Margaret Stead （Mav/Maverick）， publisher, Bonnier Books UK. This is as much your novel as mine. Your brilliant writing and editing, capacity to see the stories behind the story, the depth and meaning behind the experiences of Cibi, Magda and Livia is what makes this story brilliant, even if I say so myself. It would not exist without you. You have travelled with me, been both friend and companion, as we met family and planned the best way to tell this story. I am a better person and writer for having you in my life. Ko taku tino aroha me taku whakaute I nga wa katoa. Mauruuru. （My deepest love and respect always. Thank you.）
Benny Agius, general manager, Echo Publishing Australia. What can I say to express my love and thanks to you for being my friend, my manager, my driver, my advisor: so much wisdom. You make me laugh; you make me cry. You are, simply, the best. I cannot wait for our next adventure.
Ruth Logan, rights director, Bonnier Books UK: what a gal! Your openness and friendship have come to mean as much to me as your brilliance in getting my stories into many, many territories and translations. You do not do this alone: Ilaria Tarasconi, Stella Giatrakou and Amy Smith – you are learning from the master. Thank you for all your efforts.
Claire Johnson-Creek – I apologise for my tardiness in providing you with copy in need of so many corrections. Your skill is what the reader ultimately sees; I am most grateful, and I thank you.
Francesca Russell, publicity director at Zaffre and Clare Kelly, publicity manager, Zaffre – my companions, my Mary Poppinses. I love my time with you in person, over Zoom or email. Your talents in putting me on the stage and on the page are so appreciated. You know I love to perform, and you make it possible. Thank you.
Blake Brooks, brand manager at Zaffre, you have laughed and cried as you became involved in telling this story. Thank you so much for connecting with the families in Israel and Canada, making the amazing videos we now have. Your efforts have been immense, and I appreciate your passion and commitment. Thank you.
There is a team at Zaffre who contributed to Three Sisters now being in your hands. Their brilliance lies in the art department, marketing and sales. Nick Stearn, Stephen Dumughn, Elise Burns and her team, and Paul Baxter. Love being part of your teams.
Celli Lichman, you have been part of telling this story throughout its development. Without your expert translation of the testimonies of Cibi, Ziggy and Livia the story would not have been told. Thank you so much for your dedication to honestly and passionately translating the words I only had access to through recorded testimonies, and for your sensitive and perceptive read of the final manuscript.
My love and sincere thanks to Lenka Pustay, from Krompachy, Slovakia, without whom so much valuable information and documents identifying names, dates of birth etc., would not have been found. You are a wonder.
Sally Richardson, Jennifer Enderlin at St Martin’s Press in the US, you embraced this story hearing only the vaguest outline. You welcomed me with open arms with Cilka’s Journey and now again in celebrating Cibi, Magda and Livia. Along with Kate, Margaret and Benny we form a band of women celebrating and honouring strong, courageous women. I am so grateful for your warmth, keeping in touch with me, and making me welcome when I visit – thank you.