This book is very special to me. In 2014, my husband Alex and I went to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. It was an incredibly moving experience. When I sat down to write The Sea of Lost Things I knew I wanted to bring some of that history to life, to tell a story that weaved loss, with hope, and love.
History holds so many clues as to who we are today. That was something I wanted to explore with Charlotte and Jonah. Whether we’re running towards our past, or from it, sometimes looking back is the only way forward.
I couldn’t have written this book without the following people:
To Alex, my wonderful husband. Thank you for believing in me, even in those countless moments when doubt clouded my way. This journey we’re on is not always easy, but I’m so glad that I have you by my side for it. I love you beyond words.
To Aman Dhesi, Connie Boston, and Laura Turner, your endless encouragement and honest feedback is a light in the dark. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to fully express my gratitude, but having you three in my corner has meant the world to me.
To Karina Halle, my, my, my Marilyn. Thank you for sharing your hard-earned knowledge, for answering all my questions, and for those weird cartoons you send me that never fail to make me laugh. We’re overdue a trip to Disneyland.
To my Dad, sorry I didn’t become a lawyer. Thanks for believing in me anyways, and for raising me to believe in myself.
To my Mum, thank you for being the first person to ever call me a writer. Somehow, I think you knew before anyone else. I know I got my love of story from you.
To my Aunty Deb, your weekly calls have been a source of great comfort. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. And thank you for helping me through ‘dead fridge’ day.
To Pippin, thanks for all the technical help, and for explaining the correct terminology for web design. Who knows, maybe one day if you don’t want to be a product designer anymore you can follow your one true passion: ottomans.
To Kara Malinczak, my fantastic editor. Thank you for helping me navigate my hybrid use of the English language, and for making me a better writer.
To Hang Le for designing the beautiful cover. From concept to reality, you exceeded my every expectation. Thank you for sharing your talent with me.
To all my friends and family who throughout this process have given words of encouragement – your support is the reason I finished this book.
Finally, to the readers, thank you for going on this adventure with Charlotte and Jonah. I wrote this book for you. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed bringing their world to life.