Part of this book is a substantial reworking of an idea I had a decade ago whilst part of a writers group led by the poet Martina Evans. I am indebted to Martina for her encouragement and for pointing out the disconnect between writing news, which encourages us to work within strict constraints, and writing fiction which is about tossing prescriptive methods aside. Many thanks also to Vanessa Beaumont and Kate Prentice, who were early champions of Isobel.
I’m ever amazed by the time and insights people are prepared to offer, and for that I would like to thank Jimmy L, Richard H and Simon C, for their help as well as Shaun Walker for his remarkably inexpensive translation services.
Endless thanks to my agent and personal therapist Julia Silk, to my editor Ann Bissell for always knowing what is needed – be it a new scene or a glass of champagne – and to my dream publicist Felicity Denham, who together with Ann has made the process a hell of a lot of fun.
Last but never least, to my husband, Barney, and my children, for putting up with me and being so proud. Special shout out to the not-yet-literate Jesse, to whom this book is dedicated, for his honest appraisal: ‘But if I can’t read, how do I know it’s good?’
And to my amazing mum for plugging the gaps, of which there are many, always.