Chapter 1

‘Being known as a chief layabout and squanderer of opportunities in all of Richmond is a big responsibility.’ (Kip Westaway) p 9

‘I own the lanes mostly. I know the web of them, every lane in Richmond.’ (Kip Westaway) p 21

‘… our story starts with the family in somewhat reduced circumstances on account of the sudden demise of Kipper’s old man. Who dropped off the tram in Swan Street somewhat worse for a whisky or three and hit his head. Blam, splashed his brains all over the road. A sad end.’ (Pike) pp 23-4

Chapter 2

‘I could have spent that money on a holiday…While I sit here on a Tuesday afternoon listening to her, I could be recalling two weeks of sun-kissed splendour in the Maldives…I was trying to do the right thing.’ (Stanzi Westaway) p 38

‘And I am captured, standing here, a smiling giant statue of myself carved from granite, massive hand on my bag, huge legs, half-astride, atop bulbous feet…’ (Stanzi Westaway) p 61

‘I’m not beautiful,’ I say. ‘Mum and Charlotte are, but I’m not.’
He follows my eyes. ‘Fifty years of family photos, but none of Connie. If you had met her, you’d see. You look like her. Beautiful. ‘ (Stanzi Westaway) p 66

Chapter 3

‘It seems I’m the only one who notices I’ve grown… this Gulliver life fits my mood, a stranger in a strange land.’ (Jack Husting) p 72

‘For the life of me, I cannot see why people stay here. Do they not know what’s beyond the city? A few hours on the train and their chests would fill with pure air, their shoulders would settle, their hearts would be open.’ (Jack Husting) pp 73-4

‘She has the joy of the morning in her, as if she’s the only person in Melbourne who even knows it’s a new day. Hours could pass and I’d still be watching Connie Westaway dance.’ (Jack Husting) p 76

‘If we have to send boys to fight… it’s layabout boys with no responsibilities, the Kip Westaways of the world, who ought to be going.’ (Ada Husting) p 102

‘I think about living next door when news of her engagement does the rounds. Looking down from my window as she goes off to the church. Her mother shining with pride; Connie ready to take her husband’s hand and begin her big adventure.’  (Jack Husting) p 104

‘It wasn’t just any old coin. It won me my new saddle in a two-up school last winter, back on the station. That was my lucky shilling.’ (Jack Husting) p 105

Chapter 4

‘The woman in front of me is well dressed with sparkly stones on her fingers. The stroller is the expensive European variety. I could probably sell her anything.’ (Charlotte Westaway) p 116

‘I hold the pendant between my hands, I hold it close to my heart, I hold it above the incense burning on my dresser. I close my eyes and say a few words to the universe. I am its child. I know the universe is listening.’ (Charlotte Westaway) p 123

‘Along one wall facing the TV are four cherry-red recliners that take up the whole space, the kind where the footrest swings up when you pull a lever on the side. Why he [Francis] has four, I have no idea. Perhaps waiting for a wife and kids who never came.’ (Charlotte Westaway) p 137

Chapter 5

‘I’m nearly thirteen and there’s no one left in the world big enough to carry me under one arm…I shut my eyes and imagine Dad’s legs just there. Like I could touch them if I just reached out my hand.’ (Francis Westaway) p 147

‘The toughest gang in Richmond! And they want me, Francis Westaway.’ (Francis Westaway) p 155

Chapter 6

‘I’ve put so little aside it’s hardly worth hiding. A few coppers to get us through the week. Next week will have to worry about itself. At least it’s November now, heating up fast. I only need enough wood for cooking.’ (Annabel Crouch) p 178

‘This is our private dance, my father’s and mine. We know our steps by heart… soon he will say something about me being alone and what it costs me to care for him.’ (Annabel Crouch) p 179

‘The difference between generous and honourable isn’t something I’ve thought about before, but I look at Kip’s face and see that this is important.’ (Annabel Crouch) p 204

Chapter 7

‘Mr Husting will be wishing he could have yesterday over and over again, for ever. They’ll be holding that telegram until it crinkles in their hands.’ (Jean Westaway) p 211

‘They have to get a wriggle on. Can’t have her showing. Still, at his age, a widower already, no one expects a long engagement.’ (Jean Westaway) p 216

‘Mothers need to know that butter goes on a burn and spider webs on a cut, clove oil for a toothache, cakes and tea for bereavement. And for things like this, for girls like Connie and saving her future, there’s a respectable woman who runs a business in Victoria Street.’ (Jean Westaway) pp 221-2

‘I’m only going to be gone for a minute. That’s the only reason I leave her.’ (Jean Westaway) p 239

Chapter 8

‘Soon I’ll have my learner’s, then in a couple of years, hello freedom. I’ll be off like a shot, just watch me.’ (Alec Westaway) p 243

‘This waiting for my life to start, it’s driving me mental.’ (Alec Westaway) p 244

‘Alec. He’s [Kip] old. What id he dies tonight? What if this was the last time you ever saw him and you had a chance to do something kind for someone who’s done so much for you, and you didn’t take it? How would you live with yourself?’ (Charlotte Westaway) p 264

‘Before long, Grandma goes to bed and I sit up with Grandpa, just talking. He tells me about the old days, about some horse he used to have, about the trouble Uncle Frank got up to when he was my age, but he also asks a lot of questions about school and art. He’s ace, actually. He understands what it’s like for a brother to be outnumbered by women. The whole time he’s talking, he has the photo of Connie in his hands. He never once puts her down.’ (Alec Westaway) pp 272-3

Chapter 9

‘It seems that all my life I’ve had nothing I’ve desired and I’ve given up having no desires at all. Now I know what it feels like to want and I will give anything to have it.’ (Connie Westaway) p 285

‘It’d be some pretty poor kind of love if I didn’t want what was best for you,’ he says. (Jack Husting) pp 287-8

‘And here is the most wonderful thing of all. I have had one night with the man of my heart and, just this once, I have had something that I wanted. Whatever happens, I will keep this night stored away…’ (Connie Westaway) p 293