To Astbury Castle, for giving me space to grow.
Thank you to Scarlett Thomas, David Flusfeder and the Creative Writing department at the University of Kent, who helped me believe that writing a novel was something I could do. I would also like to thank Elizabeth Clarke, who didn’t let me slip through the net.
A very big thank you to everyone at Sceptre and Aitken Alexander, for helping to create a space where my voice could be heard. Special thanks to Francine Toon, who has true empathy and treated my story with tenderness. Jenna Johnson, for her insight, wisdom and care. Chris Wellbelove, for his belief in me from the beginning and for being my guide ever since. Thank you to Norah Wellbelove, who loaned me her bright, calm house to edit by the sea.
So much love to Joan, for remembering the stories. To Craig, for holding us. Especially to my dad, for his understanding. To my brother, Jack, for his bravery, resilience and sense of humour. To my mam, who is the warmest, strongest, wildest person I will ever know.
And to j, for the stars over Aulas and our expanding light.
Table of Contents
Contents
About the Author
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Saltwater Page 22