I would not have been able to write this book without the compassion and knowingness of other survivors. To those I have the privilege of knowing, and those I do not know but who understand, thank you. I have followed, and will continue to follow, your lead.
Thank you:
To Hellie Ogden, for changing my life.
To Ma’suma Amiri, who plucked my manuscript out of a generic submission inbox in the very first place.
To Katie Ellis-Brown, for your unflappable passion, expertise, and kindness. You have vehemently championed Jade’s story, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better person to have shaped it with.
To Carina Guiterman, for your wisdom and thoughtfulness.
To Kate Fogg, for your pure generosity and guidance.
To Liz Foley, Dredhëza Maloku, Sania Riaz, Sophie Painter, Mia Quibell-Smith, Hannah Shorten, Maya Koffi, Emily Randle, Yeti Lambregts, Petra Eriksson, and everyone at Harvill Secker, Vintage, Simon & Schuster, Janklow & Nesbit UK, and WME. Thank you for bringing Jade to readers.
To readers, librarians, and booksellers. From one bookworm to another, thank you for all that you do.
To Anna Barrett, without whom this book might not have seen the light of day.
To Carolyn, for pushing me.
To those who sat with me in the heaviness and showed me patience, grace, and love. I am forever grateful.
To my cherished close friends, for your early readings, your infectious excitement for this book, and the endless support. I’m so happy to know you.
To my in-laws, a bonus family which I feel lucky to be a part of.
To Bo, for the unconditional love.
To Pete, for being the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you for the happiest, most peaceful life with, and because of, you.
And finally, to my parents, who are the beginning and end of all that I do, all that I have, and all that I am.