Having read this novel, I think Meredith is one of my new favourite characters! She’s likeable and entertaining, and the entire way through the book I was rooting for her…

Meredith, Alone is a clever, heartwarming read about Meredith, a woman who, she informs us nonchalantly, hasn’t left her house for 1,214 days. She lives alone with her cat, Fred, for company, and throughout the novel we jump backwards and forwards in time as we slowly uncover what happened in Meredith’s past to leave her feeling unable to leave her house.

This book manages to be shocking at times and sad, but also uplifting. The author has skillfully presented a story that is not action-packed or tense but actually fairly slow – but nevertheless very engaging, and the star of the show is definitely Meredith. She’s got her problems and they’re presented sensitively, with a real understanding of how anxiety and depression can affect different people in different ways.

Meredith, Alone is an intriguing, pleasing character study, and I hugely enjoyed it.

Meredith hasn't left her house in over three years. Over the course of this book we discover why.

I was very surprised by this book: I thought Meredith would be a grumpy hermit, someone that wasn't interested in the external world. In reality, she's trying her best, and she is surrounded by people who love and support her. I think she was very relatable, and she's a really amazing character who cares about her people and just has such a long story of trauma in her past that she's trying to overcome (we see this in flashbacks throughout the book).
In many other books, I have found it hard to relate to trauma survivors, as I find the way they act (and act out) completely unrelatable to me and my experiences. With Meredith this wasn't the case, although I need to acknowledge that I don't know which of the two extremes is more realistic (probably they both are, and different people will evolve differently).

Overall, a page-turner for me, which left me wanting to follow Meredith's path beyond the end of the book.

Trigger warnings for child abuse and sexual abuse.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest opinion

Really loved this story. Meredith is an absolutely wonderful main character, I was rooting for her every step of her journey. A must read. Thank you so much for this arc

This was a quiet story about Meredith who hasn't left her house in a long long time and how she meets a few new people and gets braver in her self. Nothing exciting happens but I was drawn in and really enjoyed this story.

An emotional and thought provoking book. I really enjoyed this and it was such a strong single character story. I was proud of Meredith through out the whole book I felt like she was my friend and I was willing her on. Great read.

This book follows Meredith Maggs who hasn’t left her home in 1,214 days, she lives with her cat Fred, works from home and loves doing jigsaws.

When she makes a few new friends, she decides it is time for change and starts getting herself ready to discover the outside world again.

With traumatic times in her past to work through it is not as easy as it seems, but with many people around her who care she hopes she can start a new life.

What caused Meredith to stay at home? Can she change her life and get back out into the world around her?

This book is amazing, and I can’t believe that this is a debut book from this author. I can’t wait to read any future releases.

Meredith is a character that you warm to straight away and feel her emotions as she goes through this new part of her life. I could completely understand how she felt, and the barriers she must break through.

The book is all told by Meredith and goes between the present at her house and glimpses into her past to make sense of the events that led up to her staying at home.

The introduction of different characters into Meredith’s home gives the book a little bit of humour and sometimes heart-ache and I loved the friendship that she had and the new ones she makes.

Overall, an amazing and uplifting debut where Meredith must break through her anxieties to start the new life she is determined to have.

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

Meredith has spent nearly four years in lockdown in her house. She has a job as a writer and she spends her leisure time doing jigsaw puzzles and baking. She has social contacts - Tom is a Helping Hands visitor; Sadie is her best friend dating back to school; Diane is a counsellor she has sessions with online and she meets a new friend, Celeste, via a chatroom for people with anxiety.
She is estranged from her family. Her chain-smoking mother is gradually revealed to be a controlling parent who continually put Meredith down as a child, preferring her sister Fiona. Her father left when she was eight.
The reason she cannot go outside is her fear of men; ever since her brother-in-law raped her in their mother's kitchen. Neither her mother or sister believed her.
Meredith makes her own world, however, and with the help of her friends and determination, she gets better and takes tentative steps to rebuild and re-enter the world. Ironically this takes place in 2019 and just as Meredith has improved her anxiety to leave the doorstep, she would have had to go back indoors in 2020.

I found this story an emotional rollercoaster with quite a lot of bittersweet moments along with heartwarming positivity. Meredith is a great character and the reader is emotionally connected to her story.

Trigger warnings: rape

This is such a sweet book, The subject matter is sad, and Meredith’s story is sad, but it’s a very positive, life affirming book, Meredith is a beautiful human and she seems to be positive even when she’s not, if that makes sense.

It’s a wonderful story, heartwarming, and she’s a star…

My thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review

After finishing 'Meredith, Alone', I almost immediately thought of the first time I tried internet dating. The experience ended in the best way imaginable, when I met the lady who would go on to become my wife. More than a decade later, it's still happily ever after. But prior to meeting her, there were some others. As might be expected, some of the correspondences petered out after a few messages. There were a few more people that I met face to face, and one that I'm still friends with. I can honestly say that there were no disasters. But at the same time, there was nobody else that I was ever going to fall in love with. Because that's something unique, something wonderful and something that doesn't often happen in a lifetime.

On the face of it, this is most unfair because it has nothing to do with the subject matter of the book. The first chapter introduces us to the main character, Meredith Maggs, as she is preparing to leave her house to catch a train. But on the third stair from the bottom, a panic attack ensues. It's superbly portrayed and instantly believable. On the next page, we learn that Meredith hasn't actually left her home for more than three years - 1,214 days, to be precise - and that instantly had me well and truly hooked.

It's not a thriller. Let's be very clear about that. The pace isn't particularly fast and there are no tense, hold-your-breath moments. But as a psychological character study, it's fantastic. We learn about Meredith's life from her childhood, and the sequence of events, and circumstances, that resulted in her living her reclusive lifestyle. These chapters are interspersed with ones told in the present day, which far from leaving us feeling sorry for Meredith, leave us respecting and admiring her. Whilst I have no personal experience of the condition that's affecting her, I would go so far as to suggest that this book if you, or someone you know has. Because it serves as a gentle reminder that there are 'baby steps' you can take in the right direction, and that there are people out there who will help if you'll let them.

It's not without it's fair share of humour, either. Most of these are supplied by Sadie, who's just fabulous. She's a working mum of two young children and her life is wonderfully, perfectly chaotic. But at the same time, she's a true friend. If you want a lesson in how to be a friend to someone, study this character. And if you have a friend like this in your life, please, please don't fall into the trap of taking him/her for granted. Because if you're unlucky enough to lose them, they're irreplacable.

Rationally, it's hard to find anything to criticise about this book. Perhaps some of the dialogue is a little bit too slick, as more than one person seems to know the right thing to say almost immediately. But in no way was this enough of an issue to affect my enjoyment of the book.

My problem is one that's entirely personal. I think that for this book to have really worked, my connection to the character of Meredith would have to have been so strong that I almost fell a little bit in love with her. And I'm afraid this didn't quite happen. Like I said, I respected and admired her, and believed in her. But it didn't go further than that.

Part of me feels guilty at deducting a star for this, because I've often thought that writing a character-driven story such as this one must be one of the hardest things for an author to do. You have to make every single one of your readers develop a kind of relationship with them, which is about as impossible as, well, finding love with the first person you meet on an internet dating site. Considering that this is the author's debut, it's amazing that she's come so close.

The trouble is that 'Meredith, Alone' is a book that needs to be read, and thus reviewed, from the heart. And I'm sorry, but my heart is remaining hard no matter how much my head tries to persuade it to soften.

My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the digital ARC of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.

4.5 stars rounded up

Meredith Maggs hasn't left the house in 1.214 days. But she insists she isn't alone. She has her cat Fred. Her friend Sadie visits when she can, There's her online support group, Strength In Numbers. She has her jigsaws, favourite recipes, her beloved Emily Dickinson. the internet, the Tesco delivery man, and her treacherous memories for company. But somethings about to change. Whether Meredith likes it or not.

This story has a dual timeline. Told in the present day and the past which covers Meredith's childhood, her teenage years and some of her adult life. Anyone who has suffered from depression and anxiety will understand what Meredith is coming from. This is such a thoughtful and sensitively written book, Meredith's panic attacks and fear of the outside world make it hard for anyone to get close to her. My heart went out to Meredith as she tries to move forward with her life. It's difficult to read in places but there's also a little humour. The story is told from Meredith's point of view.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJosephUK and the author #ClaireAlexander for my ARC of MeredithAlone in exchange for an honest review.

I’d like to thank Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Meredith, Alone’ written by Claire Alexander in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Meredith hasn’t left her home in 1,214 days but she isn’t lonely as she has her cat Fred to keep her company and her best friend Sadie calls in with her children when she can. Tom McDermott from the Holding Hands Charity calls weekly and with a bit of help from jigsaws and delicious baking he’s determined to get Meredith through her front door again.

The story begins on 14th November 2018 when we first meet Meredith and as her story moves from that year to 1993 we learn about her childhood with her mother and sister Fiona, and eventually the reason behind her inability to leave the four walls where she feels safest. Meredith reminds me so much of Eleanor Oliphant, one of my favourite fictional characters. Ms Alexander is to be congratulated on her excellent character descriptions of Meredith, Fiona, Sadie, Tom, Celeste, Jacob the boy from across the road, and even Fred the cat, all of whom have given depth to this lovely story. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable read with a perfect ending and I can recommend it.

When we first meet Meredith Maggs it's Wednesday 14 November 2018 and she's not left her home for 1,214 days. She'd like to: in fact, she so nearly does. Her outdoor clothes are on and she's even considered which shoes to wear if she's going to catch her train. Then, she can't. She simply can't force herself to leave the safety of her home. She's fortunate that she has a good friend, Sadie, who visits regularly with her two children, James and Matilda. Sadie's a cardiac nurse and full of sound common sense. In fact, it was Sadie who gave Meredith her cat, Fred. Groceries are online deliveries and there's also an internet-based support group where you'll find Meredith as JIGSAWGIRL, so you can guess what she does in her spare time. Then Tom McDermott arrives. He's from Holding Hands, a charity which supports people with problems such as Meredith's.

Meredith's a freelance writer and the income is enough to keep the wolf from the door. She's turned into a decent baker and Tom enjoys sampling what she produces. All-in-all, she's managed to make something of her (relatively restricted) life. There are three people missing from the scene, though. Gavin was the boyfriend but he's now moved out. That leaves Mer's sister, Fiona (who's eighteen months older than Meredith) and their mother. There hasn't been any contact for some considerable time. Meredith misses Fee. As children and young adults, their relationship was scratchy but they'd always have each other's backs, particularly where their mother was concerned.

Claire Alexander's characterisation is so good that it gave me a problem! You see, I had a similar model as a mother and Alexander's writing brought her back to frightening life to the extent that I ended up in tears at one point. This isn't a one-off in the characterisation department, either. You will love Meredith and will her to take a few more steps - and then fully understand why she's where she is when you hear the full story. Every character comes off the page fully formed - even the relatively minor ones. They all stayed with me after I'd finished the book and I found myself worrying about some of them. I do hope they'll be OK.

The plot's great too. It doesn't shy away from unpleasant facts and situations but handles them sensitively. I loved that the ending was satisfying but didn't tie up all the loose ends in a neat bow. Life's not like that.

I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have a review copy.

In 'Meredith, Alone,' Claire Alexander tells the story of a woman who has not set foot outside her front door for 3yrs. With a lot of warmth and humour Alexander unpicks the reasons for Meredith's agoraphobia, both through Meredith sharing stories with others (including her befriender and therapist) and chapters that take place in the past.

Alexander provides the reader with a very real portrayal of agoraphobia and of the life experiences that might lead to it. She also describes panic attacks and some aspects of therapy and the mental health system really well. She manages to do this while still remaining very light in tone, and with Meredith coming across as anything other than a victim. The switching back and forth between the past and the present helps with this, as does Meredith's own perspective on her past. She is a likeable protagonist and I spent the novel wanting good things for her.

Mer hasn't left her house in over 1200 days, and over the course of the book we learn the painful reasons why Mer became agoraphobic and a fuller understanding of her mental and emotional state.
There are some incredibly dark issues lurking between the pages, but such is Claire Alexander's skill, the book never feels weighed down nor gratuitous. Indeed, it's Mer's courage as she navigates her life that filled my heart with hope. With the help of her friends (new and old) becomes more self-aware and able to acknowledge her past, Mer truly is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

This book is exceptional and Meredith (Mer) is a wonderfully complex character who I feel privileged to have been introduced to. I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

I loved this book. It really reminded me of one of my favourite books of all time - Eleanor Oliphant. Meredith is a beautiful soul terrible by a traumatic childhood and the story tells her struggles as a child and now as an adult. Highly recommend

A tender and emotional tale. Characters are well constructed and the plot is heart-rending.
The pace was somewhat slow for my taste but this is a personal observation.

This was just delightful! I loved Meredith and was so rooting for her the whole way through. Funny, emotional and tender, this is one story not to miss!

This is a beautiful read. Meredith is a recluse and hasn't left her house in over 2 years. She has her cat and a small network of friends who visit her regularly. Meredith wants to leave the house but events from her past stop her doing so. The story leads us through her struggles to overcome her fears and face her past along with the help of new and old friends. This was a well written book with some wonderful characters and could definitely be a film!

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander

Why has Meredith not left her house in 1214 days? She has her work as a writer, her daily routines and her cat Fred so she insists she's not lonely. But like it or not new friends are coming to Meredith - Tom from the befriending service and Celeste from an online mental health support forum - and they will change her life forever.

I loved this book and read it in one go, rooting for Meredith all the way through. There are some quite sinister undertones in the story and I found them unsettling but they explain Meredith's withdrawal from the outside world. And the portrayal of various mental health issues in the book is very well done. That said there is humour and heart throughout and the overall journey is one of friendship, recovery, optimism and new beginnings which I found compulsive reading. Very VERY highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Great cast of well drawn characters and their relationships with the main protagonist. The subject should make for a depressing read, but it’s so well done that it is uplifting. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what had happened. I was disappointed that we never found out quite what had happened between the mother and father though.