I am deeply indebted to all the team at Varuna – The Writers’ House for the benefit of its development forum for works-in-progress and subsequent mentorship: special thanks to my mentor Margaret Simons. In London, thank you to Rachel Thompson. In Geneva, thank you to Ellen Hansen. In Paris, grateful thanks to the officials of the Institut de France and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Cardinal Richelieu); Madame Axelle Marois of the Ritz Paris; Monsieur Omar Guerida, proprietor of Chez Omar; le Professor Dominique Verdy of La Société des Amis de Versailles; and to Titi and Felix Boukobza. In Sydney, thanks to Sally Hone, Natalie Hoy and Rebecca Weisser and also to Clare, Michael and Justin Holdforth. At Random House Australia, many thanks to Jeanne Ryckmans and Nadine Davidoff. Thank you, Syd Hickman.