Cecilia Knapp
Little Boxes
Longlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2023
A story of sacrifice, violence and growing up different – told against the heat and claustrophobia of a seaside city in summer.
After Matthew’s grandfather dies suddenly, four friends struggle to face the trauma of their pasts in the wake of this fresh tragedy. Leah and Jay, a couple since their school days, find their relationship tested, while Nathan deals with a vast and unrequited love, and Matthew grapples with his sexuality. In the days that follow, Matthew begins to unearth his grandfather’s past. He finds a different life, full of secrets, and discovers that he and his grandfather may have had more in common than he once thought.
Little Boxes is a coming-of-age story about friendship and love, loss and survival.
“Cecilia Knapp is a great writer. I love her.” — Kae Tempest.
“Unmissable.” — Stylist.
“A really gripping read.” — Times Radio.
“Little Boxes is a powerful, vivid and enchanting debut.” — Salena Godden.
“Cecilia Knapp is a rare, rare talent. The sort of writer you get excited to have found and then look forward to devouring more of their work. This book in particular is a work of craft, heart and beauty and I envy new readers their first opportunity to meet these characters and spend time in this world.” — Kerry Hudson.
“Stunning… Knapp, a spectacularly talented writer, observes her characters past and present, their inside and out, in forensic detail.” — Daily Mail.
