Tallow

by Karen Brooks

  squero: boatyard

  stazione: jetty where passengers wait for sandolis or traghettos, also known as fermata

  ti amo: I love you

  traghetto: a gondola ferry

  tresoro: treasure

  vi amo: I love you (plural)

  Zia: Aunt

  Zio: Uncle

  Acknowledgements

  ONCE UPON A TIME, A daydreamer walked into a shop that sold candles and voilà! A story was born. That's really how it happened ... to start with. But beginnings and ends have very long middles and acknowledgments go some small way to thanking all of those who helped shape the heart of this novel.

  First and foremost, I wish to thank my completely wonderful and amazing agent, Selwa Anthony, who stood by me through the best of times and the worst. I never doubted her and she, more importantly, never doubted me when many others would have abandoned me by the wayside. Thank you, Selwa – graze mille e tutti bacci.

  Then there was Anthony Eaton, sublime writer and friend extraordinaire who patiently listened to my angst and dreams and counselled me wisely on numerous occasions – both on the writing and publishing process. I owe you, Tony, my literary rock – and Imogen and Toby as well. Likewise, James and Vicki Roy, Simon and Annie Higgins, Geoffrey Shearer, Jim McKay, Sam Strutt and Jane Fynes-Clinton – a person could not have better or more generous friends.

  A very early draft of the novel was read by Mark Macleod, who provided some invaluable feedback and terrific suggestions, most of which I took on board and which influenced what followed – thank you. The novel's strengths owe a great deal to Mark and Anthony's early ideas, and their beautifully rendered reports as well as the sharp eyes and wonderful skills of Carol Campbell.

  Once the book landed in the capable and kind hands of Leonie Tyle, it moved into calm and fabulously creative waters. Thanks so much for your insights, patience and faith, Leonie. Sarah Hazelton, my other editor – what can I say? I have never worked with someone who understands the gifts that words can bring, their power and beauty, as much as Sarah. She also has a knowledge of genres that is unsurpassed. It's been a blessing and an utter delight working with you. The wonderful team at Woolshed and Random House, especially Linsay Knight, but also Justin Ractliffe, Sarana Behan and Yae Morton must be thanked – profusely. They have made this whole process very exciting, challenging and so worthwhile.

  Thanks must also go to my Facebook friends and the Sassy online fantasy community. The words of friendship and faith as well as cyber-humour go a long way to reminding a writer that he or she is not alone and can laugh, even about something as serious as writing. Your emails, notes and reminders to live a little and have hope have meant a great deal.

  During the writing of this book, so much happened in my life. On the positive side, we moved to one of the most beautiful locations in Australia and were made to feel welcome in a great and vibrant community. I also commenced a new job at Southern Cross University, where I work with some fabulous colleagues and have terrific and talented students. My beautiful daughter, Caragh, was married and thus we gained a lovely son, Paul, but lost her to the USA. Thank goodness for the internet. My fabulous son, Adam, was both hit by a car (he's fine) and promoted into a job that challenges him and keeps him stimulated and happy – something he has deserved for a long, long time.

  On the negative side, I lost my mother to cancer after years of struggle and pain. My beloved grandmother died as a result of a tragic house fire – I still miss her every day. My father's health has declined and I have watched him fall into a torpor that's difficult for those around him but no more so than my step-mother who battles on regardless, demonstrating faith and love in equal measures.

  Two of my dearest friends have waged a terrible and vicious war with cancer. Their courage in the face of such an invidious illness and their phenomenal personal strength has been inspirational in every way – I love you, Sara and Grant.

  All of the above puts life in perspective.

  Nonetheless, I still wish to thank all my friends and family – particularly my sister, Jenny, and my wonderful uncle, Peter Meyer, Lesley Roberts, Frances Thiele, Lisa Hill, Catherine Dicker and Jojo Lee, Jenny Daly and my amazing Italian teacher, the incomparable Lauren Charrington – mia bella, vorrie malto grazie per tutto; hai sensazionale.

  Finally, this book would not have been conceived, never mind written, if not for the amazing love, support and friendship of my partner whose patience with my foibles and workaholicism is limitless. I am one of those lucky people who, when still relatively young, found a genuine life-partner. I do what I do for and with him. I certainly can't and don't want to do it without him.

  This, like all my creations, is for you, Stephen. Ti amo.

  Associate Professor Karen Brooks is Deputy Head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University in Lismore and has a PhD in cultural studies.

  Renowned internationally for her work on popular culture, Karen is also a dynamic and award-winning teacher. She is a columnist for The Courier Mail and an 'expert' on Channel 7's Sunrise, The Morning Show and Today Tonight. She is also a regular on ABC's The Einstein Factor as part of the Brains Trust. Author of the popular Cassandra Klein quartet and Rifts through Quentaris, Karen's first non-fiction book Consuming Innocence: Popular Culture and Our Children was published in 2008 to rave reviews. In recognition of the public debates she has stimulated and her academic and creative contributions to Australian and global society, she is cited in Who's Who of Australian Women 2007-2009.

  Karen has a wonderful partner, Stephen, and two children, and shares her house with three dogs, a cat and an assortment of chickens and sheep as well as resident birdlife and possums. She lives in a place known as the Rainbow Region, the perfect environment for writing fantasy.