Goddess-armed Rebecca Carter, who read an early draft of the book, was wonderfully kind and astute as always. Tristram Stuart (Cwen when dress-ed) was a paragon of patience and a creative force. Arthur Jafa was a proper deus ex machina. Thank you to friends who read early and late drafts, especially John-Henry Butterworth, Clare Carlisle, Amy Cooper, Millie Darling, Jonny Davies, Rose Gibbs, Ruby Hamid, Léonie Hampton, Caroline Martin, Flora Pethybridge and Laura Yates; and to those who shared invaluable thoughts and criticism during the editing: Rowan Boyson, Lily Cole, Taran Khan, Rubina Greenwood, Ivana Ivičić, Alba Gibbs Joffe, Ralph Mathers, and the metaphor-defying Shan Vahidy.

While I was writing this book, my mother, siblings, in-laws, housemates, husband and friends all looked after my children, and by extension, me. I am so grateful – especially to said daughters. This is for you, interlaced with love, transcendent memories of grandmothers past, present and future – and the happy spirit of my father, whom alas (like your father’s father), you never got to meet.

Thanks for reading!

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