by Phoebe Wynne
To my wonderful editors Emma Capron and Sarah Cantin for seeing the potential in this novel, and for helping me craft it into the best book it could be. Thank you also for bringing the classical women to the forefront – they’d all be so proud of us, I think. Your unwavering belief in this story and in my writing astounds me daily, and I am so grateful that I get to work with both of you.
Thank you to everyone at Quercus and at Macmillan who has worked so hard on this novel, and bolstered it up so brilliantly, especially during the horror of Covid-19.
To the Scottish town of Stonehaven, thank you for being so beautiful and atmospheric, how could I not use your wonderful Dunnottar Castle as inspiration? Particular thanks to the people of the Marine Hotel, and the barman who was kind enough to answer all my pestering questions.
To all the fellow writers in my writing classes in Los Angeles who both encouraged and goaded me into finding my voice, and writing what had to come out – thank you. Particular thanks to Nicole Criona, who expertly led us through our vulnerabilities every Sunday in her living room. And to Anna, my sister’s friend, who with one phrase sparked my initial idea and nudged me towards my genre. Those months in Los Angeles will always stay with me.
To my dear friend Christina, a fellow educator and a wonderfully curious mind, thank you for being the best sounding board and cheerleader I could ask for. Thank you for your constant positivity and kindness, and for helping me battle through the darkest hours inside my brain.
To my great friends Anna and Marta, thank you for being such discerning and thoughtful snippet-readers, and always listening to my moans and groans along the way. Thanks also to my wonderful friend Jenn for her ever-brazen encouragement and excitement for this writing adventure, which we embarked on together.
To my exceptionally creative siblings. My sister Camille, the greatest champion of self-expression, for her guidance, her pushing and her ongoing support. My sister Loulou, for her certainty in my true purpose and her continued reassurance that this was the right thing to do. My brother Pierre, who always checks on the rest of us and lends his cheering voice at the perfect time. Thank you all for your very valuable encouragement.
To my mother for reading whatever I put in front of her, and giving me her brutally honest opinion thereafter – not without trying to correct my English, even though she herself is French. Thank you for your excellently sharp notes, and for letting me plough through your thoughts for any surprising or improving idea.
To my father, there on the sad height, who always breathed literature and poetry. I’ll always be grateful for those piles of books bought for me every summer and every winter, books that I devoured and cherished, even when I questioned the choosing. Many of those books spoke to me and inspired me to write and speak back. He would have been thrilled about this novel’s publication, and more particularly, the act of courageous rebellion within its pages.
To all the kids I’ve ever taught, this novel wouldn’t exist without you. Thank you for teaching me more than I taught you.
About the Author
Phoebe Wynne worked in education for eight years, teaching Classics in the UK and English Language and Literature in Paris. She left the classroom to focus on her writing, and went on to hone her craft in Los Angeles and in London. She is both British and French, and currently spends her time between France and England. Madam is her first novel.