To Russell Schechter, David Savill and Scott Bradfield, my MA tutors who helped me to write so much better and taught me the value of tough critiquing. Huge thanks also to my wonderful MA and writing group friends: Lara Dearman, Andy Howden, Jennifer Small, Magdalena Duke and Gwen Emmerson, for your insightful commentary; the camaraderie, friendship and ongoing support. You are all brilliant, and I’m not sure what I would have done without you. To all the generous, supportive and talented bunch that are the Savvy Writers Snug, what a wonderful group of colleagues and friends you are.

Thanks to my early readers: Suzanne Miller, Karen Kelly, Brenda Fein, Julian Pike, Millie Pike, Josh Pike, Diane Pike, Jane Elliot, Shauna Bartlett, Shannon Monroe Ashton. Again, your comments and support have been invaluable. To the truly fabulous Stephanie Roundsmith of Cornerstones, who rescued me when I was ready to throw this manuscript in the bin. Without you, this book would not have seen the light of day. You helped so much, in so many ways, I owe you one enormous drink!

Finally, and most importantly, to my family. My wonderful mother and my late father, for igniting my love of reading, for gifting me self-belief and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. You have honestly been the best parents any child could wish for. Special thanks, however, must go to my mother, who was widowed when I was just seventeen. Your constancy, love of life and learning and your incredible kindness and humanity, have made you the best of role models.

To my sister, Kathleen, for your invaluable help with my research, your company and your encouragement. Our journey together has been a wonderful thing in itself. I have gained so, so much from having you at my side. To my other sister, Sarah, for being an ear, and for always being there for me. To my mother-in-law, Di, for the chats, the meals, the sewing, the housework, the kindness; thank you! To my dog Bonnie, for the company, every day, as you lay at my feet while I tapped away, and for the walks which helped solve plot hitches.

And most of all, thank you to my darling husband, Julian, and my three wonderful children: Millie, Josh and Lottie. Each of you are my inspiration every day. You make me utterly proud, and I love you all so much, it hurts. Thank you for your steady and unshakeable belief in me, for encouraging me to ‘go for it’. You are all my everything.

About the Author

LOUISE FEIN holds an MA in Creative Writing from St Mary’s University. Prior to studying for her master’s, she ran a commodity consultancy business following a career in banking and law. She lives in Surrey with her family. People Like Us is inspired by her family history, and by the alarming parallels she sees between the early thirties and today.

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