Many thanks to the following for their help during the writing of this novel:
The Australia Council for a New Work Grant (Established Writers) in 2002 and a six-month residency at the Australia Council’s Keesing Studio, Paris, in 2003.
Warwick Franks, former editor of Wisden, Australia, for reading the manuscript and for his advice.
Shona Martyn, Linda Funnell, Rod Morrison and Vanessa Radnidge at HarperCollins, and my agent Sonia Land, for their support and enthusiasm.
Finally, my special thanks to Fiona Capp for her constant help, suggestions and advice during the writing of the book. And to Leo — the lion-hearted boy.