IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD, THEN IT TAKES A VERY special village to raise a child and support the mother while she writes a novel. While writing this book, I was fortunate enough to move to such a place. Thanks to all my family in the Shire, but especially to Judith Way for deck therapy; to Cherry Buckwell for the walking cure; to Kate Christie for goddess-mother love; to Rebecca Palmer for a home away from home for my daughter; to Kelly Tica for boundless love, support, and chicken soup; and to Rachael Stevens for sorting my life out, on so many levels, more times than I care to count.

Thanks to Ben and Toby for great chats about Seattle and LA—even if they didn’t make it into the finished book.

To Olya Knezevic who told me to watch Autumn Sonata.

To Judith for taking me to Canterbury, lending me her library card, and sharing her love of the city.

To the lady who opened the Tomb of the Eagles on a wild and wet day in November and gave her time so gently and generously.

To Philip Makatrewicz, Thea Bennett, and Cherry Buckwell who read the book in early drafts and whose clarity and enthusiasm were incredibly helpful.

To Josh Raymond and his legendary skinny black pen, whose edits are worth an ISBN to themselves.

To the Unwriteables, still going strong after a decade of love and support.

To Naomi Wirthner who called me in to her Seagull and wove the magic round us all.

To my mum, Pamela Hope, whose activism inspired and shaped me, and who came with me on a memorable walk to Greenham Common.

To Dave for making it work somehow.

To Bridie for hearing the call, and for answering with your wild, bright, wondrous self.

To my wonderful editor, Jane Lawson—she who understands what an ending must be.

To the inimitable Alison Barrow. I feel so lucky to have you on my team.

To my agent, Caroline Wood, whose dedication to this book and desire to see it be all it could be were unwavering. Caroline, you have helped more than anyone else to bring this book into being. Thank you so much for your rigor, enthusiasm, and support.

And finally, to the beautiful women who have shaped my life, the horizon watchers, the fierce dancers, the van converters, the river swimmers, the caretakers, the ones who know the old ways. Thanks for all you’ve taught me and all we’ve shared. More please, more.

About the Author

ANNA HOPE STUDIED ENGLISH AT OXFORD, ATTENDED THE Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and then received an MA in creative writing at Birkbeck, University of London. Her first novel, Wake, was a finalist for the National Book Awards (UK) and the Historical Writers’ Association’s Debut Crown Award. She lives in London, UK.

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Also by Anna Hope

Wake