Obsession (Year of Fire) (91 page)

To Clarita Duggan, another wonderful reader, who told me about her experiences at Eton.

To my friend the writer Soledad Pereyra, for sharing her knowledge about war planes. Sol, my dear, I still dream of seeing your book
Desmesura
published.

To my very dear friend “Gellyta” Caballero, for her loving support and brilliant ideas; for inspiring some of Juana Folicuré’s witticisms; providing me with incredible books for my research; and for analyzing the manuscript with so much love and professionalism.

To Leana Rubbo, for doing seemingly impossible research.

To my close friend Adriana Brest, for her two wonderful presents: the epigraph to the first part of
Obsession
and
The Perfumed Garden
.

To my very dear friend Paula Cañón, who is always finding material for my research and who, for
Obsession
, found a priceless story.

To Doctor María Teresa “Teté” Zalazar, whose medical knowledge was essential in helping me to write a scene.

To Uriel Nabel, an Israeli soldier, who so generously shared his three-year experience in the Tsahal with me.

To Sonia Hidalgo, a dear reader, who sought out information for this book with a determination that touched my heart. And also for putting me in contact with her nephew, Uriel Nabel.

To Marcela Conte-Grand, who worked selflessly with the translation into French.

To my dear friend Vanina Veiga, who also gave me a hand with the translation into French.

To my cousin Doctor Fabiola Furey, who in spite of all her work and familial obligations took the time to seek out material on porphyria.

To Laura Calonge, delegate in Argentina for Doctors Without Borders, and her assistant, Carolina Heidenhain, for explaining the philosophy and workings of the great humanitarian organization.

And finally, to my dear friends Natalia Canosa, Carlota Lozano and Pía Lozano, for accompanying and supporting me during my creative process and inspiring me to create Juana Folicuré. I thank Lotita for her generous heart and selfless help with the translations into French.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Florencia Bonelli was born in Córdoba city, Argentina, where she became an accountant. After reading
The Sheik
by Edith Hull, she left her career for a life as a writer. Since then, Bonelli’s historical novels have conquered bestseller lists in Argentina and all over the world; her work has been published in Spain, Germany, Portugal, and all of Latin America. Bonelli currently lives in Buenos Aires.