ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I was inspired to write After You Left after reading an extremely touching and fascinating article in the New York Times about how looking at art can have a positive effect on the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Many museums actually offer private tours to groups of dementia patients, and the results have been so encouraging. People who are normally disorientated and uncommunicative have responded vividly to paintings and have been able to engage and express themselves in ways that surprise their loved ones, even if it’s just for a short time. Given that it seems we all know or have loved someone with the disease, I thought this story might not just entertain readers, but perhaps bring a sense of hope and comfort. One of the paintings mentioned in the article was Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World. I had never heard of the painting, but I looked it up. From that moment on, I was intrigued. I wanted to know all about Christina, and found myself researching Wyeth and his subject, and from there the story about Evelyn was born. At the same time, my mother was moving from our home in Northern England to Canada to be near me, and we were saying goodbye to our family home in Sunderland. It was a very emotional time for me, and I suddenly knew exactly how Evelyn had felt all her life – torn between two places. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I would like to thank my brilliant agent, Lorella Belli, for her sound direction and endless enthusiasm, and for believing, as she did, in this novel. Huge gratitude also to my wonderful editor Sammia Hamer; I am most lucky to have you, and the Lake Union team on my side. Thanks to Victoria Pepe for your excellent suggestions to improve the novel. I am also grateful for my supportive family and friends, and everyone who has bought my novels in the past or recommended them to others. Last but not least, thanks to Tony for being the best husband I could have ever hoped for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carol Mason was born and grew up in the north-east of England. As a teenager she was crowned Britain’s National Smile Princess and since became a model, diplomat-in-training, hotel receptionist and advertising copywriter. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her Canadian husband.