The Very Nice Box

Blackett and Gleichman are neighbours and writing partners based in Brooklyn, New York. The Very Nice Box is their debut novel.

Ava Simon lives alone and loves her job, designing storage boxes for STÄDA, a furniture company. Ever since the tragic accident that ripped her world apart, Ava has been afraid to get close to any other person and sticks to a strict daily routine where order and control are easily managed. But when Ava's new boss, Mat Putnam, arrives Ava finds herself drawn to him and an unlikely relationship blossoms.

The Very Nice Box was an easy read with the characters at its heart. As the pair engage in a relationship it was lovely to see Ava open up and let go of some of her repetitive routines. Grief, loss, friendship and trust are at the core of this novel with the writing very raw and emotive in parts. Although, there is a lot of sadness when learning about Ava's tragic past there is also a lot of humour and satire which balances this book brilliantly.

There were a few shocking twists within the novel and the pace picked up towards the second half of the book, which made it hard to put down. Overall, a very enjoyable novel, with likeable characters. If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine then I urge you to read this one.

Pretty good! Up until the point where Matt ends up trapped in the box, which is where the shark reeeeally dramatically jumps.