Bamboo People (21 page)

As I’m writing this note, newspapers and magazines are also split.
The New York Times, Wall Street Journal,
and CNN use Myanmar, while the
Washington Post
and
Time
use Burma. For
Bamboo People
I chose to use Burma because that’s what the Burmese people use in informal, everyday conversation, reserving the use of Myanmar for formal and ceremonial speech.

Our friends David Eubank, Karen Eubank, Hte Reh, and Hte Mar took me into the refugee camps, translated my questions, read drafts of the novel, and gave suggestions and feedback. You are my heroes.

My critique group in Newton greatly helped to shape this book. Both my agent, Laura Rennert, and my publisher, Charlesbridge, deserve their reputations for championing stories about marginalized voices. Editor Yolanda LeRoy was flexible, creative, and insightful as she shepherded this project to the finish line. I’m proud to work with all of you.

As always, I owe thanks to my parents. Despite the loss of their childhood homes in Bengal, they embarked on a fresh start here in the United States for the sake of my sisters and me. I’m grateful for my sons, who listened to me read several versions of the book and responded with patience and truth. And I wouldn’t have lived in Thailand if it weren’t for my husband, an excellent companion in the adventure of following Jesus.

Last but not least, I acknowledge the brave men and women who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much in their fight for a free Burma, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Let justice roll down in that land.