Acknowledgements
Most importantly, I offer my gratitude to all those who have participated in my research over the years, with deep appreciation for their generosity in sharing their time, knowledge and experience. Particular thanks go to the staff and residents of Albergue ‘Hermanos en el Camino’ who welcomed me into their lives for a month, sharing stories, meals and laughter with me, and the people and communities across Central America and Mexico who have welcomed me and shared their personal experiences and expertise.
Special thanks go to the Arts and Humanities Research Council for funding my PhD, on which this book is based, to my supervisors Professor David Cantor and Professor Damien Short, to my examiners Franck Düvell and Michael Collyer, and to staff and colleagues at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. David’s expert thematic knowledge, academic rigour and skilful guidance were – and continue to be – critical to the development of my research and me as a researcher. Many thanks to the University of London Press for their support in developing my book and to Cecily Jones and Tatiana Cernicova-Dragomir for reading drafts. Thanks also to Ariadna Estévez and Rodolfo Casillas for sharing their expertise, sharp minds and good conversation, to UNAM in Mexico City for hosting me to present my work, and to the Women in Academia Support Network for always being there with sound advice and sisterly support.
Above all, I would like to thank my wonderful friends and my ‘atomic family’. I am blessed to have so many people across the world whose open hearts sustain me, open minds inspire me and open doors comfort me. Particular thanks for their presence and extra love and support at various points in this project go to my wonderful son Aleph, Malkito, Paulla, Roo, Lara, Philip, Dean, Ruth, Alice, Lorna, Penelope, Selina, Megha, Jo, Amy, Colleen and my sister Ali.
This book is dedicated to my father, Keith Knox, who inspired, encouraged and believed in me. He did not live to know the woman I became and what I achieved. He would be happy and proud.