Meredith, Alone was a novel that was completely different to what I was expecting and probably the reason it stayed on my NetGalley Shelf so long.

I quickly became wrapped up in Meredith's world and felt the author did a fabulous job with pacing and plot. Having chapters that went back in time created a well built character and allowed for an understanding of why Meredith was the way she was.

I do think it is the secondary characters that make the story come to life and found the roles they played in Meredith's life key factors in creating her anxiety (past) and her recovery (present). I loved Sadie and liked how her character allowed the reader to understand how Meredith still did certain things while living with agoraphobia.

This read was brutal in parts but I feel it ended in a hopeful way.

A great debut!

I couldn't read this as an ebook for some reason so will get it when it comes out! Sorry! (Leaving a 4 star review to be fair.)

A gorgeous read that touched my heart and reduced me to tears. Full of so many emotions. moving, funny, sad and hopeful. An absolute must read.

Meredith, Alone is a story that shifts between the present and the past, with the narrative moving back and forth in a way that is often triggered by events in Meredith’s current life. This non-linear approach allows the reader to gradually uncover what led to her decision to isolate herself at home for over three years.

Meredith wasn’t always so withdrawn. She once had a job, a social life, and even a relationship. But a traumatic event turned her world upside down. However, her struggles began long before that moment—her difficult childhood and strained relationship with her mother played a significant role in shaping her current reality. Trust me, you won’t want to meet her mother.

Despite her isolation, Meredith isn’t completely cut off from the world. She finds companionship in her cat Fred, her best friend Sadie, and the delivery man who brings her groceries. There’s also Tom, a visitor from a support organization, who spends time with her each week, doing puzzles and talking. And though she rarely leaves her house, Meredith connects with others online through an emotional support group and her therapist.

The story follows Meredith’s gradual journey toward healing, as she begins to face her past, accept support, and take small but meaningful steps toward re-engaging with life outside her home. Progress is slow and challenging, with moments of both setbacks and breakthroughs. But the story ultimately shines with a sense of hope, allowing Meredith to move forward at her own pace.

Though the subject matter can be heavy, the book strikes a balance between heartache and optimism, making it a thoughtful and emotionally resonant read. The conclusion feels both fitting and uplifting, giving Meredith the space to heal on her own terms.

Meredith stole my heart and gave it back to me bigger than it was before. This is such a beautifully written book which touches on some challenging subjects like depression and isolation but is ultimately about hope and love. Clever, compassionate and completely wonderful!

A great book from Claire, I really enjoyed the plot and the characters and I found myself hooked. Thank you netgalley for the review copy!

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading ore from the author in the future as it was right up my street

The main character is well developed and likeable. The writing style is so engaging. This is a great character driven storyof family and friendship

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

This book goes between past and present focusing on Merediths journey to where she is. Following her along with hope, the characters along the way and the ending is perfect.

About a woman, called Meredith, who has not left her home in a very long time! You really get the sense that she is an amazing character and you keep reading to find out what has made her stay inside. A great read!

Beautifully written and highly emotional, heartwarming and heartbreaking read about reclusive writer Meredith, her relationships with friends and family, and how she came to be in this situation.

A deeply emotional read that includes sexual assault, but is really about a truly incredible, caring woman, who despite her trauma remains empathetic and generous to others.

A good read. I don't think this was really a book for me as I thought it was OK but just not my style. However, well written and good characters.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

Simply wonderful. Sympathetically captured unfolding of the lives of such interesting characters. I love this series and am so grateful to have had early access.

Meredith has not left her home in 1,214 days, the idea of leaving her house has her gripped in panic.

She has her friend and companion Fred the cat and childhood friend Sadie and her children who visit.

As the story moves back and forth between the past and present time, we discover how so many tragic events in the past shaped Meredith's present condition and her character.

A beautifully written book that deals with loneliness, sorrow, friendship and hope. Meredith is a great character that felt real to me as I found myself cheering her on. I have enjoyed my time with Meredith as she is unforgettable!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and thought that the subject matter was handled sensitively. I think having a positive male character in Tom was important and liked that it didn’t slip into the obvious cliches such as Meredith and Tom becoming an item.

I've enjoyed this book a lot. Given the difficult topics covered by the author, this could have easily become a (too) heavy read which is not at all what happens due to the sensitive way Claire Alexandre explores tough situations and circumstances. Chapter by chapter, we get to know Meredith and find out the reason behind her self-imposed isolation. We are also introduced to Meredith friends and family and everything comes together vividly under our eyes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an impartial and honest review.

A beautifully heartwarming tale, centred around Meredith who hasn't left her home for years. The reasons behind this are explored and do cover sensitive and possibly uncomfortable topics, but all are uncovered and explained in a totally immersive and caring way. Not what I usually read, but a refreshing change. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This was a beautifully written, compassionate and emotional story. I really adored the character of Meredith, who was so much more than what you initially saw on the surface. I liked the way the story flipped between timelines as we learnt more and more about Meredith and Fiona's past. With a lovely cast of characters and a very gentle touch, this was a lovely story of friendship and hope. I adored it and only wish I'd got round to reading it sooner.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ebook.

I really enjoyed this book. It was full of warmth and though it was poignant and sad in places, it was also hopeful and uplifting.

The book did contain some upsetting themes such as depression, childhood trauma and abuse. The author handles these topics sensitively and I felt like I was on the mental health journey with Meredith, just willing her along. While there were heart-breaking moments, the story didn’t feel depressing or too weighed down by these heavy topics.

I really liked Meredith as a main character. She was relatable and I was rooting for her throughout. I found it difficult not to draw comparisons with Eleanor Oliphant. The quirky personality, the battles with mental health and her past being slowly revealed through flashbacks were all very familiar. However I still believe Meredith offered something new as a character.

As Meredith weighed the comfort of her isolated existence against the possibilities that lie beyond her doorstep, the reader is there with her. It was so inspiring and I felt like I was taking every small step with her.

I felt the supporting characters were also wonderfully drawn. I loved Tom and Celeste. Each of them felt authentic with their own battles to face. I loved how Meredith became a source of support to them, just as they were to her. Sadie too was a brilliant character and friend. The complicated relationship Meredith had with her sister was compelling to read and it made me feel both sad and hopeful for their future.

I found Meredith Alone to be beautifully written and a testament to the power of friendship. It was moving, poignant and I’m really glad I read it. I’ll be looking forward to reading whatever Claire Alexander writes next.