A House Called Askival (30 page)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am deeply grateful to so many people for their help in the writing of this book. Their number is legion, their kindness unbound.

Firstly, the many staff, alumni and associates of Woodstock School, India, who answered countless questions and shared with me their memories. It would take another volume to name them all, but special thanks to: Kavi Singh, for reading a draft and providing help, history and humour; Steve Alter, for support personally and through Mussoorie Writers; Deirdré Straughan, for gathering a treasure-trove of stories for the school's 150th; and to the late and much-loved Reverend Bob Alter, who was a rich store of information and encouragement. I am indebted to the memoirs of several from the Woodstock community, especially Steve Alter, Joseph Alter, Stanley Brush, Katharine Parker Riddle, and Marguerite Thoburn Watkins. Thanks also to Ganesh Saili, Ruskin Bond, Inder Prakash, Vinoo Bhagat, and the late Miss Edith Garlah for helpful information. And lastly, from the Woodstock stable, my love and thanks to Kathy Hoffmann, English teacher, mentor and dear friend, for reading many drafts and lending wise feedback and unflagging faith.

Others also gave generously of their time to read a draft and offer responses. Thanks to John Jebaseelan, Indrajit Ayer, Barbara Deutschmann, Anna Ghosh, Arun (Prabha) Mukherjee, Claire Anderson-Wheeler, and Sara Maitland, through Hi-Arts. In addition: Chris Powici, who also gave encouragement through Stirling Writers and Northwords Now; Kirsty Williams of BBC Scotland, who has been a stalwart champion; Fiona Thackeray, friend and writing buddy; Jo Falla, sage mentor; and the late and much-missed Gavin Wallace of Creative Scotland. Deep gratitude to Maria White of Booklink, who gave so much.

I acknowledge the support of key organisations in the writing of this book and extend my appreciation to: Creative Scotland for a generous bursary; Jan Rutherford and The Scottish Book Trust for granting me a mentorship; Peter Urpeth of Emergents (formerly Hi-Arts) for ongoing support; and the Arvon Foundation at Moniack Mhor for two weeks with inspirational fellow writers. Thanks also to the encouragement of those in the Society of Authors in Scotland and The Highland Literary Salon.

Deepest thanks to the team at Freight Books, especially Adrian Searle for believing in this, banking on it and being kind, and to Elizabeth Reeder, fine editor, for having the perfect balance of incision and respect.

This novel was begun on the dining table of soul friends Tony & Rosas Mitchell. To them and the many companions who have journeyed with me - sharing the bread of life, the water in the desert - my heartfelt thanks. We will be friends forever. And longer.

Immeasurable love and gratitude go to my family, both at the beginning and now. To Warren and Jessie, for raising me in Nepal, India and Pakistan and in the embrace of Love. To brother Mark, for being my oldest friend and for adding your fine ones to our tribe. To the Appleby Harpa tree, for grafting me in. To my precious two, Sam and Luke, for growing up under my ribs, listening to stories; to Alistair, kindred spirit, provider, beloved, for making this possible and for being my home.

 

For the Beautiful Name