A slow paced and quiet novel about the character's current mental health journey and past events that have lead her up to this moment.
As Meredith feels unable to leave her house this story is a slow moving novel but one that takes a kind, honest and realistic look at the life currently being experienced by the main character. A loveable character along with others that pop up in the story which stopped it becoming too depressing. I thought the author handled the subject well and wrote of the characters strategies used to help her recovery very realistically.. It is in her past that we read of her other story and a sad one at that. So although this is a fairly melancholy story line there is a lightness of touch in the writing which keeps it from becoming too dark.

This very special novel that come along very rarely. The last time I felt so excited about a book was reading Eleanor Oliphant for the first time. This is an amazingly novel. Just truly wonderful. in my 2022 top 10

Oh my goodness I loved Meredith so much I rushed out and bought my own copy as soon as I could. With a similar feel to Eleanor Oliphant or Matt Cain's Albert Entwhistle, the feeling of being alone and isolated in the world was so tangible. Meredith's agoraphobia is such an impediment to the happiness she's seeking, can she break her way through to find her joy again.
Love love love

In this poignant character driven novel, author Claire Alexander introduces us to Meredith Maggs. Meredith is 39 years old, a freelance writer who lives in Glasgow, and hasn’t stepped over her threshold for 1,214 days.

It’s not that Meredith chose to not leave, one day she simply couldn’t.

As the narrative progresses in the present, we learn Meredith hasn’t stopped living exactly. She has her work, her routines, and anything she needs can be delivered to her door. She may be alone, but Meredith claims she isn’t lonely, she has her beloved cat, Fred, to keep her company, her best friend, Sadie, often stops by with her two small children, and her friendship circle is slowly expanding. Holding Hands volunteer, Tom, insists on regular visits, and through her online support group, Meredith bonds with newbie Celeste.

But there are things Meredith misses. Like swimming, hugs, and her sister, Fee.

Flashbacks provide glimpses of Meredith’s past including her difficult childhood, illuminating her relationship with her mother and sister, whom she hasn’t seen for years, and the accumulation of the heartbreaking circumstances that led to Meredith’s agoraphobia.

Beautifully told, written with warmth, compassion and a touch of humour, this is a tender story about trauma, survival, friendship and ultimately, about hope.

What a lovely well written book. Meredith’s character is so unusual as is her chosen lifestyle. As the reader gets to know her, a vivid picture develops describing her day to day routines and habits and, in doing so, we become immersed in her life.

There are some very sensitive issues dealt with in the book, such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and mental illness. However, despite the seriousness of these issues, I feel it’s an uplifting story of a woman dealing with traumatic events and ultimately rebuilding her life.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy to read and review.

A gem of a book.

Meredith is a character unlike any other you may have come across, as is the author. This book had me laughing out loud and close to tears in another. I enjoyed reading Meredith's journey and felt sad coming to the end as I was finishing a book so good I didn't know when I might come across another.

If you want to read a book that feels raw, relatable visceral- read this one.

Having read a few of this genre - Eleanor Oliphant, Lost Property - I was hesitant to read another, but it stands alone and was well worth the read. Its charmingly written. Despite hitting on some heavy topics, its handled with a light touch so that overall its an inspiring read about hope, growth and rebirth.

Its been over three years since Meredith left her house. In her heart, she knows she needs to do something about it. She only has Fred her cat, and Sadie her best friend. But that's all about to change. And as her circle expands, she is reminded what life has to offer and her world literally expands to accommodate them. She realises she has so much more to give.

Meredith is very engaging. She is quirky and strange, but we realise its not without just cause. Her life has been filled with pain and trauma. Yet she has a heart of gold and is doing her best to survive. And her network of support is growing. I loved how each new character is introduced and their complexities slowly revealed. In fact, the story itself was like an onion, peeling back each layer of depth and providing a really rich stage for Meredith to shine. Highly recommend.

‘There’s a big world out there, Meredith. It’s waiting for you.’

Meredith Maggs hasn’t left her house for 1,214 days. She has her cat Fred, her friend Sadie who visits, jigsaws, the internet, the tesco delivery man and her memories for company. But then the world starts to come to her door. Tom who wants to talk and drink tea and eat cake, Celeste
From StrengthInNumbers who wants her to come to her thirtieth birthday and then there’s those memories of Fee and Mama and life before, facing up to what has kept her inside is no mean task.

‘I’m just someone with depression , talking to another person with depression .’

Meredith is just one of those characters that is going to stick in my mind for a long time. She is full of courage and hope. She is kind and thoughtful and just walked out of the pages of this book, sat on a chair and talked to me.
It deals with some difficult subjects including rape, self harm, loneliness, agoraphobia and physical and mental abuse and control- there’s a lot to unpack but it is done so well, it’s real and honest and speaks loudly to you.

‘I take a gulp of tea, and it hurts. I’m not sure if that’s what makes the tears come, but here they are, sliding down my cheeks.’

A truly touching, sad and yet hopeful read. This one will move you to tears. The shock of those words when you find out Meredith’s story was just such a moment - stark and brutal, 4 words and I just thought, this is such an amazing book, I can’t actually put it into words really how it made me feel, utterly heartwrenching.

I though this might be a light uplifting read, but it’s so much more than that. I really grew to love Meredith, I learnt what it truly feels like not to be able to leave the house, that feeling, the weight of it, the fear of it, the pain of it. This is a stunning and moving read, a truly wonderful debut and an absolutely beautiful treasure to read.

✩✩✩✩✩

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This was a touching, insightful and poignant book, which could have been depressing given the subject but instead was warm and endearing. A very enjoyable read that I would certainly recommend!

I read this book with a friend. I found it uplifting and life affirming. A very thoughtful and emotional read. I enjoyed being in Meredith’s world

This book is amazing - funny, shocking, tragic and uplifting. A must-read book but please be aware of the content and potential triggers.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully written book on such a sensitive subject. An emotional tale, full of fact and humour. Outstanding.

What an absolutely special story.

Meredith, Alone is - unsurprisingly - the story of Meredith. She is a social recluse and insulates her world to only the bare minimum of people. She spends her days baking, doing jigsaws, working from home, looking after her cat and that is about it. However, it seems that the world doesn't want Meredith to stay like this and with the ever growing team of people in her life wanting more for Meredith, she has to start making some serious decisions.

Meredith is an unforgettable character. Claire Alexander could have gone a completely different way to make her memorable. To make her kooky and a bit strange but it is Meredith strength that shines off the page even when she is presenting her at her lowest.

The story is heartwarming but not twee. Alexander doesn't follow expectations in some areas such as relationship development and the narrative is all the stronger for it. It is also the exploration of the complex relationship of family and how certain traumas can often have lasting effects. Alexander doesn’t justify them or tie them in a neat bow she allows people's behaviour to just be what it is without trying to overcomplicate things.

Please find yourself a copy of Meredith, Alone. It truly is a great story.

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander is available now.

For more information regarding Claire Alexander (@ClaireAWriter) please visit www.claire-alexander.co.uk.

For more information regarding Penguin Michael Joseph (@MichaelJBooks) please visit their Twitter account.

I wish I hadn’t have taken so long to read this one. I loved Meredith from the first chapter and felt frustrated for her to being with but as we learn her story I really had sympathy for her. A really easy read yet triggering for some. I would very much recommend this one!

What a great read, very uplifting and emotional.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This book was so moving, so emotional, so joyous and so uplifting. I really enjoyed reading it and I'd absolutely recommend it!

Meredith alone is beautifully written, the subject matter is sensitively handled and I was fully drawn into Meredith's world as she navigates trying to get back to outside life. For over three years she hasn't left the confines of her house where she lives with her cat, Fred.

Over the course of the story we learn about Meredith's backstory, her sister Fiona and their fractured, difficult relationship with their mother who seems like a hard person to like or feel empathy for. Meredith's best friend from school Sadie is still in touch and she knows at least some of the history and provides constant support and encouragement for Meredith's efforts to step back into the outside world again.

The trigger for Meredith's self-imposed isolation is heartbreaking and the ripple effects are far reaching, whether the other people in her life are prepared to acknowledge it or not. Meredith slowly starts to increase her circle through an online support group where she meets Celeste, and also a befriending service which is how Tom ends up appearing on her doorstep weekly.

From an outside perspective, it may seem like not much is happening - but each little challenge met is a triumph (stepping outside; walking to end of path; going to local shop etc) and the struggle involved is not hidden. We are with Meredith when some of her attempts do not work out and she battles with her panic disorder - but she keeps fighting.

I really liked the way the author handled trauma in a realistic way, and gave an insight into how things are for many people who have had troubled childhoods for a variety of reasons, and the impact this can have into adulthood. I was rooting for Meredith to set herself free and could understand her internal struggles and anxiety with trying to do the right thing/be what was expected. I think most people can relate to that to some degree in their own lives.

This was a change of pace from my usual reads, and I am glad I took the time - definitely recommended,

Loved this. You can't help but sympathise with Meredith and the position she finds herself in. We all have secrets and some hold more trauma than others, so it is easy to understand why we all handle life differently.

Sensitively written, although I would not say uplifting? Life affirming fits better.

Thank you, I've already gifted two copies and spread the word that this is the one to read over the summer!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I thought this book presented the reality of living with mental health issues very well, especially the length of time taken to progress along the route to recovery with all its setbacks. Meredith's development of new friendships was interesting, and the way her life changed was handled delicately although I thought the bus journey without a panic attack was a little ununbelievable. The story raises many questions, such as the effects of nature versus nurture and the support services available when Meredith was younger and currently.
I thought the narrative style was rather slow and plodding with very little happening at times and the reveal of the events in Meredith's childhood and what happened to her sister was never fully completed. My summary would be that the book is more sorrowful and depressing than uplifting, it's not a book I would like to read again although I believe some readers would find it touching.

How can you not fall in love with Meredith Maggs. For one what a fab name and another she is one amazing strong person. When I started this book I thought yes I would love to be Mer just staying home not having to engage with the outside world but then the reality of seeing how hard it is for Mer to leave and engage again is heartbreaking. I loved loved loved this book and didn’t want it to end. Yes I still wish I could stay at home but unfortunately I can’t cook like Mer, I can’t do jigsaws and I haven’t got a cat for company. Enjoy.