Out of Such Darkness (24 page)

This novel started with the idea that a boy in the Hitler Youth probably would have sung a song similar to
Tomorrow Belongs to Me
in a German beer garden in the 1930s and that he could have been alive as we welcomed the 21st century. For this inspiration I have to thank Bob Fosse, the director of the film
Cabaret
and the songwriters, John Kander and Fred Ebb. They created something that makes my spine tingle every time I watch it.

As I wrote the chapters, I shared many of them with my colleagues in the
Severn Valley Authors
writing group: Chris, Linda, Tony, Annie and Izzie and they gave me positive support and many valuable suggestions. (Sorry for leaving you out last time, guys!) My writing chums Fiona Joseph and Bruce Johns have been constant sources of encouragement.

When I was researching Berlin I came across Philip Kerr’s ‘Bernie Gunther’ novels set in the period. They gave me huge enjoyment and provided valuable insights. I’m grateful to Mr Kerr for allowing me to give Bernie a cameo role here.

I asked members of my family to read the first manuscript – thanks to them all for their contributions. They will see that the book incorporates their corrections and many of their suggestions. Andy FitzGerald deserves a special thank-you for reading two versions.

I owe a big debt to Patricia Borlenghi, founder of Patrician Press, for her positive reception of the manuscript and her detailed critique. Her input has improved the book hugely. Thanks to Charles Johnson for the stunning cover artwork and to Chris Smith for proofreading the final manuscript and his other suggestions that positively affected the final product.

Finally, Val, David, Ruth, Charlotte. Yay! We’ve done it again. Thank you.

Tomorrow Belongs To Me

Wilkommen

from the Musical CABARET

Words by Fred Ebb

Music by John Kander

Copyright © 1966 by Alley Music Corp. and Trio Music Company

Copyright Renewed

All rights for Trio Music Company Administered by BUG Music, Inc., a BMG Chrysalis company

International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

Used by Permission

Reprinted by permission of Hal Leonard Corporation

Money, Money

from the Musical CABARET

Words by Fred Ebb

Music by John Kander

Copyright © 1972 by Alley Music Corp. and Trio Music Company

Copyright Renewed

All rights for Trio Music Company Administered by BUG Music, Inc., a BMG Chrysalis company

International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

Used by Permission

Reprinted by permission of Hal Leonard Corporation