How it feels (41 page)

I never was a swimmer but I know how to fight. And the sound of water, well I can hear it now. I take a deeper breath, move my arms and feel a little older.

To my sisters and my father, for the ongoing support. To my agent and mate Jean Mostyn, for pushing me on when I was calling the bank for a loan so I could pay back the advance. To everyone at Pan Macmillan, especially Emma Rafferty, my editor, thank you for the sharp notes and positive vibes. To the wonderful Alex Craig, my publisher, whose fault this is, I thank you dearly. To Christos Tsiolkas, for your generosity and wisdom. To my mum, who read all the drafts, thanks for your honesty and love, and finally to Jonnie, for sleeping outside churches with me.