by Terry Fallis
It was perhaps just a matter of time before I would write about identical twins. There aren’t many aspects, interests, or experiences of my life that have not somehow, obliquely or otherwise, made their way into one of my novels. I suspect that will always be the case, regardless of how many more books I have in me. So having been an identical twin for my entire life, this novel was inevitable.
My prenatal womb-mate and childhood roommate, Tim, and I remain as close and as much alike, in almost every way, as any two ever could. I am still mistaken for him, and he for me, almost daily, such is the physical resemblance that persists after nearly fifty-seven years. In the novel, the twins are shocked to discover they share identical physical mannerisms. This is a routine experience for Tim and me, though it’s still a little unnerving to be at a social function and notice my brother on the other side of the room standing exactly as I am, our feet, legs, arms, and hands in precisely the same positions. When we both clue in to this, particularly if we’re in close proximity, one of us immediately shifts our position. More than once I have shown up at an event to discover Tim is there wearing virtually the same colour combination of clothes. I even remember racing back home to change on at least one occasion to preempt lame Doublemint Twins jokes. (And if you don’t know about the Doublemint Twins, you’re younger than I am.)
Without getting gooey, it goes without saying that this novel would not have been written without my identical twin. He’s been a loyal brother and friend through my entire life, but no more so than when I started writing. He was also an early reader of this manuscript and made important suggestions of what I should do with it – some of them even related to the novel.
I thank a great friend, Ian Hull, one of the nation’s top estate lawyers, for his expertise. I’m so fortunate that Beverley Slopen, my indomitable literary agent, has been with me from the start. I am indebted to a wonderful team at McClelland & Stewart and Penguin Random House Canada. The editing/publishing legend Douglas Gibson has edited all of my novels, including this one. I’m thankful for his sharp eyes and insights, and his friendship. Bhavna Chauhan also brought her editing prowess to this manuscript, and the novel is better for it. Wendy Thomas, copyeditor extraordinaire, once again found issues and errors to which the rest of us were blind. Frances Bedford and Kaitlin Smith are my amazing publicists. They keep me on the road, and the books front and centre, and I thank them. Ellen Seligman was very supportive of this novel at a time when we now know she had more pressing matters on her mind. This will not surprise anyone who knew her. I will miss our conversations and her guidance.
Back to where it all begins and ends, my deep gratitude and love to Nancy, Calder, and Ben, who have always supported this often frenetic writerly life I now seem to have. I’m very lucky and very grateful.
Terry Fallis, Toronto, October 2016