Meredith, Alone

Meredith Alone is one of those very special novels 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 clever novel. Totally unique, but also totally relatable; with a main character with an ability to make you feel very emotion possible. Meredith alone is definitely one to watch in 2022.

I read this book during a couple of sleepless nights and couldn't put it down. I was intrigued by the blurb, and loved the cover, but the story still exceeded my expectations, high as they were. The story is beautifully written, and despite its potentially depressing subject matter (abuse, depression, isolation) I found it an easy, enjoyable, and uplifting read. Despite the title, and the fact that Meredith has not left her house for a couple of years, I never really felt she was completely alone. Her small but loyal support network consists of a few wonderfully drawn characters, each with their own story and subplots, but all woven n so seamlessly by Claire Alexander that they never seem contrived or unbelievable. My only problem with the book was that I didn't want it to end. It was the penultimate book I read in 2021 and easily makes my top 3.reads of the entire year. I would love to see a sequel, and I was so invested in Meredith and her life that I am worried she may relapse during the Covid lockdowns and I need to know she'll be ok! She really did become that real to me :)
I can't wait to see what Claire comes up with next, but meanwhile, I hope this becomes a film. Meredith, Alone is easily one of my small handful of 'five stars are not enough' books of 2021.

"All that stands between Meredith and the world is her own front door... but what will it take to open it?"

Whilst this book isn't my usual crime/thriller genre of choice, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to learn more about Meredith, to know what had happened in her past and to find out what she was going to do next. The cast of characters in this book are perfect - as well as getting to know Meredith, we get insights into the lives of her friends Tom, Sadie and Celeste, her sister Fiona and many more. It is just a beautifully written, funny, poignant, wonderful book and one which I can definitely see myself re-reading in the future.

From a real life agoraphobic person, this book is spot on with the thoughts, feelings and processes of facing the outside world after years inside with just your own company.
This book is heart warming, thought provoking and full of hope.

Five stars does not seem enough for this beautifully written novel about Meredith who has not left her house in over 1200 days. Initially we don't know why she has refused to leave her house but between the flashbacks to the past and the present we gradually learn the truth. This is a novel which could resonate with so many people. I fell in love with Meredith from the beginning. . She's strong , funny and enormously relatable to. I cannot rate it highly enough. Out in June 2022. One to definitely put on you TBR list. I look forward to reading more from this very talented author. (less) [edit]

Meredith Alone is a rare find- emotional without being sentimental and contrived, sensitive without being cloying and real enough that you totally forget you're reading about fictional characters. Meredith's life has seen a fair amount of trauma- in both childhood and adulthood- and she retreats from the world one day. Gradually, she begins to let people in and begins her recovery. Some heartbreaking moments, but I really hope she's doing OK.