“The first of ‘Goose’s Two Laws of Survival.’ It runs thus, ‘The weak are meat the strong do eat.’ ” ... Henry grinned in the dark & cleared his throat. “The second law of survival states that there is no second law. Eat or be eaten. That’s it.”

David Mitchell is a British novelist and short-story writer. His work often explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of human connection, blending literary depth with accessible storytelling. Known for novels like *Ghostwritten* and *Number Nine*, he has earned a reputation for rich, introspective narratives.