To the fellow writers whom I now have the privilege of calling friends: thanks to Amanda Jennings, Maggie O’Farrell, and Rachel Joyce.

Particular thanks to my wonderful friend and fellow novelist Lucy Atkins for being the person with whom I first discussed this novel and who helped shape it in so many crucial ways, not to mention being my first reader, and such an incisive one at that. Huge thanks, too, to Emilya Hall for invaluable notes on an early draft.

For both friendship and patience with my endless medical inquiries, thanks to Joanna Cannon and Adam Kay. Suffice it to say, any medical mistakes are mine.

To my brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Sally Bush, for their early readings and reassurance that this book was “much better than your last.”

Thanks to my step-dad, Jerry Bowler: for all the days I have taken over your study, not to mention your unwavering belief that this book will be a success.

To my mum: thank you for your unstinting love, support, and encouragement; for your help with childcare when I’ve been on a deadline; for reading this novel so many times and doing such a great proofread; and for always making it clear that you would be proud of me whatever I did.

To my daughter, Aurelia, who pointed out that she can write a book in two days so why does it take Mummy two years? Thank you for your unbridled enthusiasm every time a new author endorsement came in, for your very honest feedback about various book jackets, and for taking so much pleasure in telling your friends that your mummy is a writer. Keep writing, angel, and I look forward to coming to your book launch one day.

And finally, to my husband, Adam. Being married to a writer is not easy, I know. The wild swings from optimism to despair (often on an hourly basis) would test the most patient of individuals. Luckily, you are the most patient of individuals, not to mention the most loving, supportive, and kind. You are a partner in the truest sense and I could not be more grateful for you. Thank you, with all my love.

About the Author

HANNAH BECKERMAN worked as a television producer and commissioning editor for twelve years before becoming a full-time author, journalist, and broadcaster. She is a features writer and reviewer for The Observer, The Guardian, and the FT Magazine, appears regularly as a book critic on BBC Radio 2, and chairs literary events across the UK. Hannah lives in London with her husband and daughter.

You can connect with Hannah online:

hannahbeckerman.com

Twitter: @hannahbeckerman

Facebook: hannahbeckermanauthor

Instagram: hannahbeckermanauthor

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Copyright

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.