The Box

Cathelina Duvert’s debut novel The Box is a soulful exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative journey of healing.

Estranged from her family, grappling with pressures at work, and trapped in the suffocating grip of depression as a result of childhood trauma, magazine executive Mia Hill tries to claw her way out of despair. But, her life unravels when she stumbles across a note hidden inside a painting gifted to her by her late mother. Unresolved questions about her mother’s past and their complicated relationship emerge within the delicate scrawl of her mother’s hand, compelling Mia to embark on a soul-stirring journey that ends with a truth for which she may be wholly unprepared.

Meanwhile, Mia’s work coincidentally leads her to meet the handsome artist behind her mother’s painting, and as their bond deepens, she is astonished by how his masterful works provide startling insights into her psyche. Mia wrestles with her newfound feelings for him and the mundane relationship she has been stuck in for five years. Caught between devotion to her boyfriend and the allure of the artist, Mia questions past and present choices while struggling to untangle conflicting feelings about her mother.

Will learning her mother’s secrets finally sink Mia deeper into a depression from which she will be unable to come out?
Fans of Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson and Maame by Jessica George will enjoy the raw emotions laid bare in this gripping narrative.

Content Warning: This book contains strong language, explicit intimate scenes, and depicts characters dealing with depression and suicide ideation. Reader discretion is advised.

Cathelina Duvert's debut novel, The Box, was born from her own experiences with depression. Recognized for her work, Duvert received an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Chapter One Writing Competition by Black Writers Workspace. She continues to share her journey through writing and speaking engagements, shedding light on the complexities of mental health with authenticity. She lives in New York City with her twin sister and her rescue kitten Maxie.