The Nameless Ones by John Connolly

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It was my good fortune, during the research for this book, to cross paths with my fellow writer Robert Pimm (www.robert pimm.com) in Vienna. It was Robert – and his partner, Gözde Eren – who suggested I visit the Friedhof der Namenlosen, the Cemetery of the Nameless, while I was in the city, which gave this novel both its title and one of its central scenes. For their kindness, hospitality, and advice I am deeply grateful. Only in Vienna by Duncan J. D. Smith (Brandstätter, 2005), another of Robert’s recommendations, proved a useful and informative guide to Vienna’s more obscure sights. My thanks also go to the staff at Literaturhaus Wien, and especially its curator, Dr Anne Zauner, for giving such a warm welcome to a stranger.

While the villains in this novel may be Serbian, I experienced only unconditional assistance and immense goodwill during my time in that country. I would particularly like to thank my driver, Željko Rajkovic, who also stepped in to interpret for me at crucial moments; all at www.exclusiveserbia.com, including general manager Zoran Zupanc; and the staff at Townhouse 27 Hotel in Belgrade, for organizing everything from drivers to shoe repair. In Negotin, I was blessed to meet the wonderful Emila Petrović – author, ethnoanthropologist, and curator of the town’s very fine Krajina Museum – who was helpfulness personified. Emila in turn introduced me to Ivan Gudojević, who patiently explained to me something of the history and culture of the Vlach people during a chilly afternoon in Kobišnica.

While I spent a lot of time reading about the Balkan conflict, two works of fiction particularly resonated: As If I Am Not There (aka S: A Novel About the Balkans) by Slavenka Drakulić (Hachette, 2013), and The Hotel Tito by Ivana Bodrožić (Seven Stories Press, 2018). Some of the information on the sale of passports and the ‘identity management’ industry came from articles by John Arlidge, including ‘Citizenship for Sale’ (The Sunday Times, March 24, 2019) and ‘Business Executives Are Buying Second Nationalities. Here’s Why.’ (Robb Report, August 5, 2019). Hannah Kauffmann, I should add, bears no relation to any lawyer, Viennese or otherwise, living or dead. ‘The Mystery of Vlach Magic in the Rural Areas of 21st Century Serbia,’ by Andjelija Ivkov-Džigurski, Vedrana Babić, Aleksandra Dragin, Kristina Košić, and Ivana Blešić (Eastern European Countryside, January 2012), provided a fascinating short introduction to many aspects of Vlach culture and beliefs.

I remain indebted to everyone at my British publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, including my editor, Sue Fletcher, as well as Swati Gamble, Carolyn Mays, Rebecca Mundy, Myrto Kalavrezou, Alice Morley, Catherine Worsley, Dominic Smith, Alasdair Oliver, and all the sales team. At Atria/Emily Bestler Books, my editor Emily Bestler continues to provide a welcome home for my work, aided by Lara Jones, David Brown, Gena Lanzi, and Milena Brown. Huge thanks to you all. My agent, Darley Anderson, and his crew remain steadfast as always. With the aid of my non-English-language publishers, of whom I am immensely fond, they have brought my books to readers around the world.

Dominick Montalto has, for many years, done his utmost as copy-editor to save my blushes, as has Sarah Wright. Any errors that persist do so only because my frailties know no bounds. I would also be lost without Ellen Clair Lamb, who looks after so much author-related business for me; my son Cameron Ridyard, who has designed, and maintains, my website; his brother, Alistair, who keeps me endlessly amused; and Jennie, who keeps me sane, mostly. Jennie, Clair, and Cliona O’Neill additionally read this manuscript in an effort to make the task of copy-editing a little easier.

Finally, thanks to you, the reader, for continuing to support my work, and to the booksellers and librarians who give my books a place on their shelves. Long may you all sail.

John Connolly, 2021