Bird Skinner (9780802193636)

by Greenway, Alice

  The Japanese diary is inspired by Lietenant Kiyoshi Yamamoto’s beautiful journal entry, published in Richard J. Aldrich’s The Faraway War (Doubleday, 2005). Four lines are directly quoted with kind permission.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This book is inspired by the character of my grandfather, James C. Greenway Jr., a noted ornithologist who served with distinction in Naval Intelligence during the Pacific War. Without him, I could not have written this story. It should be stressed there is no Layla Island in the Solomons and the events portrayed there and elsewhere are my own invention.

  As an amateur wanderer into the worlds of ornithology, war and medicine, I have no doubt made mistakes. Still I owe great thanks to the people who tried to set me straight. I am immensely indebted to Dr. Mike McDonnell, former District Medical Officer in the Solomons, who gave me a crash course in Solomon Island culture and medicine, adding to that friendship, hospitality, and such delightful storytelling that I can only hope he writes his own book soon. Also to Francois Vuilleumier, a kind friend and editor, who spent several days introducing me to the American Museum of Natural History, and who has, over some years, patiently and painstakingly answered the endless questions of a novice. Ms. Alison Pirie, a peerless guide to the hugely atmospheric ornithology department at the Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge. John Lawrence, who served with Naval Air Intelligence and on Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s staff, dragged his zimmer frame defiantly behind him as he took me to see the Japanese sword he brought back from Guadalcanal. Taska Sasamara, who introduced me to the war wrecks in New Georgia and to people who remember those times. Gordon Beti for his war collection in Munda. Keithie Saunders, the American consular agent, for taking time to talk to an unknown tourist about Solomon Island politics. Wilson Maelauna, my guide on Guadalcanal. Dr. Jimmy Macgregor, former Director of Medical Services in the Solomons. Ian and Louise Gardiner for lending me a room and Bici Pettit-Barron—a boathouse.

  I would like to thank my father and mother, my Uncle Jim, my Auntie Hooblie, and my cousin Dinny for helping me with research, and for their encouragement. Bob and Diana Harding for sharing their personal observations on Maine birds.

  I would also like to thank my agent, Felicity Rubinstein, a true champion. My editor, Joan Bingham, for her unflinching support of both books. My editor, Elisabeth Schmitz, for her careful editing and her astonishing ear for language. Karen Duffy, my savvy and elegant publisher at Atlantic Books in London. And all those at Grove Atlantic who helped make this book happen: Charles Rue Woods, Zach Pace, Deb Seager. My Los Angeles writing teacher Les Plesko for his astute reading. Darren Woodhead and Julia Greenway for their beautiful illustrations. Chin-yee Lai for her gorgeous cover. And Jun Shibata for helping to put my disordered world back in some order.

  Finally, I would like to thank my daughters, Annie and Eliza, for being so absolutely wonderful. And my husband and childhood friend, Timo, who supported this far-too-lengthy project, travelled with me to the Solomons, and skillfully and generously read these pages many times over. I love you all three.