The Mirror World of Melody Black

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

(AND FURTHER READING)

Professor Caborn’s theory is based on the work of Professor Robin Dunbar, and I am particularly indebted to his book How Many Friends Does One Person Need? Dunbar’s Number and Other Evolutionary Quirks. It’s a wonderful piece of popular science writing, and a great place to start for anyone who wants to know more about evolutionary psychology.

The term ‘monkeysphere’ is not my own, much as I wish it was. It was coined by the American humorist David Wong in an article on Cracked.com – consistently one of the funniest places on the internet. I stumbled upon this article (‘What is the Monkeysphere?’) in the very early stages of planning this novel and it made me laugh out loud – at a time when I really, really needed to. For this, and the train of thought it set in motion, I am again deeply indebted.

Huge thanks are also owed to:

Carole and Jamie Morrow of Bamburgh View, Lindisfarne, who gave up an hour to answer my many questions about life on the island, and also provided the anecdote behind the Mrs Moses story.

Anna, Emily, Emma, Jason, Morag, Naomi, Valeria – and everyone else at Hodder who has lent their talent and hard work to this book.

My sister Kara, who was one of the first people to read it, and whose words afterwards were invaluable.

Kate and Stan – for taking the pressure off and giving me all the time, space and support I needed to write the difficult second novel. Your faith and patience made a tough job much easier.

And finally, to Alix, Amelia, Toby and Tigerlily. For keeping me sane.