For my agent, Rachel Petty, who championed Banjo and Finlay from the very first day and has been there ever since.
For Alice Swan and Ama Badu, my truly awe-inspiring editors whose vision is nothing short of genius and whose passion for Glasgow Boys knows no bounds.
For Jenny Glencross, Jessica White and Sarah Barlow, who elevated Glasgow Boys through their incredible talents.
For the amazing team at Faber: Leah Thaxton, Bethany Carter, Natasha Brown, Hannah Styles, Sarah Connell, Sarah Davison-Aitkins, Louise Brice, Emma Eldridge, Simi Toor, Lizzie Bishop, Jack Bartram, Sarah Stoll, Lauren Robertson, Hazel Thompson, Hassan Ali, Catherine Daly, the fantastic sales team and anyone who ever worked on Glasgow Boys. I will genuinely never forget a single kind thing you said nor all of your exhaustive hard work.
For Jonathan Pelham and the stunning cover design that captures so much.
For John Radoux, who offered his expertise on the subject of foster care and child services.
For Ania Bas, who gave insight and guidance into the Polish immigrant experience. 345
For the wonderful Creative Writing and English Literature departments at Strathclyde and Glasgow University, particularly Colin Herd, Matthew Sangster, Andrew Meechan, Rodge Glass, Elspeth Jajdelska and Eleanor Bell.
For my incredible readers (and equally incredible friends) who saw almost every version: Amy Jo-Fowler, Lara Van Lin, Domenika Grabovska, Kristýna Blažková, Seán Farrelly, Sam Scifres, Brecht Van Winden, Kameron Bourgeois, Mimi Chau and literally anyone I ever spoke to on Archive of Our Own.
For my parents, Catherine McDonald and Robert McDonald, who gave me everything.
For my siblings, Joseph McDonald and Caitlin McDonald, who shaped me.
For my very best friend in the whole wide world, Jamie Thorburn. Words actually fail, but you’re on every page.
For everyone on this particular page – Glasgow Boys is as much yours as it is mine.
And for those who see themselves in Banjo or Finlay, I hope you find the people you deserve to navigate this life with.