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 Boxesis a coming-of-age story about friendship and love, loss and survival.Longlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2023