GraceLand

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Percival Everett, who read every draft and without whom this novel would still be a vague idea. Ron Gottesman, Carol Muske-Dukes, T. C. Boyle, Steve Isoardi, Jeanette Lindsey, Viet Nguyen and PB Rippey for reading, feedback, support, friendship and satsang. Sandy Dijkstra for believing and for brokering the best deals, and everyone at The Agency. My family always — Daphne, Mark, Charles, Greg, Stella, Nnenna, Simone, Philomena, Bruno and Delphine. Friends every writer needs — Titi Osu, Helena Igwebuike, Jennifer Dobbs, Wendy Belcher, Elias Wondimu, Amy Schroeder, Ava Chin, Sholeh Wolpe, Kim Burwick, Sylvester Ogbechie, Musa Farhi, Tanya Heflin and Bridget Hoida. Ayesha Pande — my friend and a wonderful editor. Stacey Barney, Cary Goldstein, Jeff Seroy and everyone at Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

R. C. Agoha’s book Medicinal Plants of Nigeria was an invaluable resource, as were:

Beware of Harlots and Many Friends, J. Nnadozie (Onitsha: J.C. Brothers Bookshop, rev. ed., 1965).

Mabel the Sweet Honey That Poured Away, Speedy Eric (Onitsha: A. Onwudiwe & Sons, 1960).

If your name isn’t here, it’s not because I don’t love you or that your kindness has been forgotten.

Thank you all.