This book is dedicated to Tyler Drysdale and our decade of companionship. Thank you for everything—good luck. Thanks to: my parents—Mum, Glenn, and Dad. Mum especially for her support, and the writing—if not always the life—advice. The University of Melbourne for awarding me a Felix Meyer Scholarship, which funded the initial research and beginnings of this novel. My lovely agent Caitlan Cooper-Trent. Everyone at Scribner, but special thanks to: Lizzie Levot for making copy edits delightful; Trish May, and Anna O’Grady. Everyone at the bookshop, past and present, but thanks especially to: Ellen, Deb, Claudia, Christine and Jamil. Myles McGuire for reading an early version of this novel, and giving me the encouragement I needed. Eilish and Em for the feedback and fun. Thank you to Ben Ball for his expert guidance and patience, and for knowing how to make this book work.
And thank you to all my friends and family who have humoured, tolerated, or even enjoyed, my company while I wrote this book. With that in mind, a very special thanks to: Kat, Maddy, Ben, and Jasmine.