PALEWELL PRESS

A powerful novel on loss, trauma and recovery. Kate has died. Her husband Richard, their ten-year-old son Rick and her twin sister Jo are shocked and devastated. An awkward but caring relationship develops between Richard and Jo as they face their grief and Jo uncovers deeply disturbing memories from the twins' childhood. As she does so, Jo, a long-time mental health patient, begins to find hope and self-belief. This is a bitter-sweet and beautifully observed study of loss and its aftermath, full of intelligence and subtlety.

Susan Jordan writes eloquently about the effects of past abuse and extreme distress. The characters are vividly drawn and the sense of place is subtle yet very powerful. It is 'a novel full of intelligence and subtlety'  (novelist Andrew Miller). She worked as a psychotherapist for many years, retiring in 2022, and she also worked for a branch of Mind, in projects committed to helping users of mental health services lead fuller lives. Part of the inspiration for The Box comes from her work at Mind. 

This is the second edition of The Box and will launch early in 2026. You can order an advance copy from this page for £12.00 or from Amazon