I must also cite the attention to detail that was ably demonstrated by three outstanding assistants: Lewis Robinson, Dana Wagner, and Chloe Bland: I commend Lewis and Dana and Chloe for the irreproachable carefulness of their work. As for the numerous parts of this novelnotset in Amsterdam, I have relied on the expertise of Anna von Planta in Geneva, Anne Freyer in Paris, Ruth Geiger in Zurich, Harvey Loomis in Sagaponack, and Alison Gordon in Toronto. For what I may have managed to get right, the credit belongs to them if there are errors, the fault is mine. Regarding the Amsterdam sections in this book, I owe these three Amsterdammers incalculable thanks. And most of all-for the time and care that he devoted to the manuscript-I want to thank Robbert Ammerlaan, my Dutch publisher. I’m also indebted to the help given me by Margot Alvarez, formerly of De Rode Draad-an organization for prostitutes’ rights in Amsterdam. as for this little lady, the best thing I can wish her is alittle misfortune.” -WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY Acknowledgments I am grateful for my many visits to Amsterdam during the four years I spent writing this novel, and I’m especially indebted to the patience and generosity of brigadier Joep de Groot of the District 2 police without Joep’s advice, this book couldn’t have been written. A WIDOW FOR ONEYEAR For Janet, a love story “.

A widow for one year