Olga Hawkes - Russian at Heart

I cannot thank my mother and Aunt Dora enough for writing their priceless memoirs all those years ago. I am also indebted to them for sharing their reminiscences in conversations with me. Their exceptional lives form the basis of this book.

I am most grateful for my sister Margaritas recollections of her childhood and adolescence in Shanghai and for giving us many of the photographs in this book. Only now do I fully appreciate why it continues to be painful for her to recall how our family suffered in Shanghai.

I am also grateful for the photographs given me by my ninety-four- year-old cousin Katherine, in Paris, and the family stories she has shared with me.

Without my husband Johns encouragement and his love of history, especially Russian, this book would never have been written.

We owe a special debt of gratitude to the writer and historian Jenny Haworth, our publisher and editor. Without her this book would probably not have seen the light of day.

We would like to thank all the many friends and acquaintances worldwide who have contributed to this joint writing venture.

In Christchurch: the journalist and linguist Robin Munro, Jennys assistant editor, and Quentin Wilson for the skilfull layout of the work. Other people in New Zealand who have helped include: Tatiana Blagova, Archpriest Vladimir Boikov, John Goodliffe, Helen Lamont, Mary Newton, Elizabeth Robertson, Anna Rogers, Professor Richard Rowe, Joe Studholme, Dr Barrie Tait, Father Arkadi Trashkov, Lorraine Willis.

In Australia: Dai Baker, Tatiana Fedukowicz, Natasha and Frank Fuller, Mila and Val Kraft, Metropolitan Hilarion and Alex Saranin, Katya and Peter Tatarinoff, Wolfgang Troeger.

In North America: Elaine and Tony Avdienko, Marvin Lyons, Boris and Nikolai Massenkoff, Dr Alexander Studeimeister.

In England: Peter and Sue Adams, John Bayfield, Kay Bellinger, Katya Burova, Professor Robin Carrell and Susan Carrell, Rebecca and Greg Stock, Jason Tilney, Richard Wildman.

In Paris: Michel and Margit Farrugias hospitality, over many years, deserves a special mention. They have given us books and introductions to people relevant to our work. Our other life-long French friends, Nina Soldatenkoff (ne Guilsher), my bridesmaid, and her husband Father Nikolai, who live in the Bourgogne, and Madeleine and Maurice Knoertzer in Bordeaux, have been equally generous with their hospitality and input.

In 2002 we had the good fortune to meet Susan Hine, who lives and works in Shanghai. On our second visit, in 2006, Susan introduced us to Tess Johnson, a long-time resident. Until her retirement she worked at Shanghais American consulate. Tess is renowned for her knowledge of history and architecture in Shanghais former French Concession. She gave us a wonderful insight into my birthplace and where I lived as a child, enhanced by the purchase of her impressive illustrated books.

In deference to the express wishes of several members of my family who are featured in this book, I have changed their names.