Chapter 1: Letters

Letter from Parker Wilson to Bill Anderson

London, March, 1984

Mr Anderson,

I am happy to inform you we will be publishing your book in July. We will be sending through cover proofs next month. I have attached amendments to chapters 4, 7, and 12 with my sub editor's notes. Please sign the attached forms and send back to me by express post.

Look forward to working with you,

Parker Wilson

Wilson and Ferris Publishing Co.

Letter from Donna to Rosie

Kalokairi, March, 1984

Dear Rosie,

Sophie is learning to read so quickly. She's only 4 but all the nights spent opening up books with her have made her so eager to have her turn. I'm teaching her in English of course and the only school here is in Greek. She's so bright and that makes me worry about what kind of life I can give her here? Yes, Mom was terrible but at least she sent me to a good school. I feel I should be giving her that at least!

Anyway, sorry for being a drag. I started with what I thought would be a boast and it's turned into this.

Would you do me a solid and post out some of those numbers books you see in Waterstones, and a catalogue too? I think I should be able to order some things for Soph from there.

God, I'm a drag aren't I?

How are things with you? Don't you think I won't find out from Tanya anyway, so you'd better tell me everything. How are things going with that Italian teacher? In your last letter you mentioned him a total of 15 times. Honestly, I can't imagine you and a teacher. Is he a real cassanova? Or have you changed your tune and are all ready to settle down in Surrey. (Or Venice!). Somehow, I doubt it.

And how's the book coming along? Have you let anyone read it yet? (If you tell me that teacher of yours has I might just freak out!)

Anyway, gotta book it – Mom duty calls.

I'll write again soon.

Donna

Letter from Tanya to Donna

London, March 1984

Dear Donna,

It's not that I don't like hearing about Sophie. I really, truly do. However, I also want to hear about you. When we were last together you said 'heart break never repairs' or something dramatic like that. I want to know if it's still true? Has he still got you – body and soul. Or is there some sun-tanned Greek god you haven't told me about?

Okay so I do have some BIG NEWS. I'm getting married – to Richard.

Yes I know I said he was a goob when I last wrote. But he was so lovely with that big old diamond ring and he really does love me.

I'm not like you. Money does matter to me and Richy has stacks of it.

Please tell me you approve?

Love, Tanya

Letter from Donna to Tanya

Dear Tanya,

Of course I approve. I trust you to make yourself happy. As long as Richard can do that for you, I'm sold!

When's the wedding? I'd better be invited. Perhaps you'd like to book the Dynamos for the reception? Let me know in advance so I can clear my very busy schedule.

There's no Greek god I'm afraid.. I'm kept busy with Sophie. She's growing up so fast. When can you come visit us? She still remembers her Aunty Tanya and asks about you!

Donna

P.S No Sam doesn't "have me" still. I hardly think of him.

P.P.S Well except for the other night when it rained.

P.P.P.S Tell me that's not pathetic?

Letter from Rosie to Donna

Surrey, July, 1984

Don Darling,

You would not believe who I saw! Well, I didn't see him so much as read about him…in the London BLOODY Times – your Bill.

He's got himself published, and a bestseller too! The book, which I've now bought, is called "Land Of The Gods – My Aegean Sailing Odyssey"

In between all the sailing dribble and long anecdotes about fish he caught there's a whole section about….YOU!

It doesn't say your name of course but it's pretty damn obvious.

This is what he wrote:

"Men have always been in danger of falling in love at sea. Think of the sailors falling for sirens…."

(blah, blah blah, some story about an old Scandinavian sailor)

"She was sweeter and kinder the closer I got to her. Two days I spent with her in my arms. We swam in the warm Aegean Sea and dove for pearls - in that moment we held treasure in our hands and hearts.

Yet the tide always goes out, as much as you'd like to hold it in. She left me, and I left her. Yet my heart stays beached on that sun drenched island of Kalokairi"

WELL IF THAT ISN'T THE MOST ROMANTIC SILLIEST THING I'VE EVER READ.

Donna, he's in love with you.

Tell me you'll write to him, don't let that Nordic dream go to waste. It's the only right thing to do.

Love, Rosie

P.S Yes I know, 3 letters in one envelope, I could hardly wait till my next letter to tell you about The Book.