Memory of Love (9781101603024) (23 page)

Acknowledgements

At the best of times, writing a novel is a solitary occupation. The work stretches over a long period of time, and often feels like wandering alone in a landscape that is being created as it is explored – a landscape with no certain pathways, no landmarks, alien and tempting at the same time.

2010 was not the best of times for me and without the support from family and friends, I might have been forever lost in my landscape and this book would not have been written. I wish to thank all of you who kept believing in what I was trying to do, showed me the way and made me believe, too. I am sure you know who you are.

I also wish to thank Lorraine Hoult, who tirelessly talked to me about the work of those who look out for the smallest and most vulnerable in our society. With patience and respect she answered all my questions, however simple and trivial, and in the process she changed the way I view the work of Child, Youth and Family, CYF, forever. In a sense, what I learned opened my eyes and came to change the way I view our entire society.

Finally, my sincere gratitude to my editor, Rachel Scott, who has again miraculously transformed my manuscript, while making me believe it was my own doing.

Linda Olsson

Auckland, October 2011