The Very Nice Box

Ava Simon, a talented designer, forms an unexpected relationship with her boss, Mat Putnam, in the novel "The Very Nice Box." However, doubts arise about Mat's true identity, keeping the reader engaged in a suspenseful and darkly comic tale of grief, friendship, and trust.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Ava Simon, a talented designer, crafts storage boxes for STÄDA, a sleek Brooklyn-based furniture company. Tragedy has struck her deeply, as it took the life of her girlfriend and turned her world upside down. Over the years, Ava has closed herself off, unable to let anyone in. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mat Putnam, her new boss. Mat is young, charismatic, and captivating. He offers Ava a ride home one afternoon, and an unlikely connection begins to blossom. Ava finds herself drawn to him, despite her initial hesitations. As she opens up to him, she discovers the joy of vulnerability and begins to fall for him. But as their relationship deepens, Ava starts to question Mat's true identity. What if he isn't who he claims to be?

The Very Nice Box is a captivating novel that blends dark comedy with suspense. It explores themes of toxic masculinity, grief, friendship, and trust. The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the gripping finale. Ava's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection. Through her struggles, she learns to embrace vulnerability and find love in unexpected places.

Mat Putnam, Ava's enigmatic boss, is a complex character. He exudes charm and charisma, but there are hints of darkness beneath his surface. As Ava gets to know him better, she begins to suspect that he may not be who he appears to be. Mat's past is shrouded in mystery, and he has a habit of keeping secrets.

The novel also delves into the themes of grief and loss. Ava's tragedy has left her emotionally shattered, and she struggles to cope with the pain. She has built walls around herself to protect herself from further harm, but as she opens up to Mat, she begins to heal. Mat's presence in her life offers her a sense of comfort and support, and he helps her to confront her past and move forward.

Friendship is another central theme in the novel. Ava's relationship with her best friend, Lily, is strained due to the tragedy that has affected them both. Lily is supportive and understanding, but she can't fully comprehend the depth of Ava's pain. As Ava opens up to Mat, she also begins to repair her friendship with Lily. They learn to rely on each other and support each other through their struggles.

Trust is another crucial aspect of the novel. Ava has been burned by trust in the past, and she is hesitant to give it to anyone. Mat, however, earns her trust slowly but surely. He is honest with her, and he is always there for her when she needs him. As their relationship grows, Ava learns to trust Mat and to believe in his intentions.

The Very Nice Box is a well-crafted novel that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading. It is a satire of toxic masculinity, but it is also a heartfelt account of grief, friendship, and trust. Ava's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of connection. The novel's characters are well-developed, and the writing is engaging and evocative.

In conclusion, The Very Nice Box is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark comedy, suspense, and character-driven narratives. It is a novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. Ava's journey is a testament to the power of love and the importance of opening up to others. Mat's character is a complex and intriguing portrayal of a man who is hiding his true self. The novel's themes of grief, friendship, and trust will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857308269