Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander: Book Review

Meredith, Alone is an emotional story of one woman who is no longer able to leave her home following a traumatic experience. It is beautifully written.

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From The Publisher:

She has a full-time remote job and her rescue cat Fred. Her best friend Sadie visits with her two children.  There’s her online support group, her jigsaw puzzles and favorite recipes, her beloved Emily Dickinson poems.  Also keeping her company are treacherous memories of an unstable childhood and a traumatic event that had sent her reeling. 

But something’s about to change. First, two new friends burst into her life.  Then her long-estranged sister gets in touch.  Suddenly her carefully curated home is no longer a space to hide.  Whether Meredith likes it or not, the world  is coming to her door…

My Thoughts:

Meredith’s story is an emotional look at one woman’s life throughout her childhood and following a traumatic event. Unable to leave her house for the past several years, the book highlights the importance of a mental health support system and a strong desire to change her life.

Through a series of reflections distributed throughout the book insight into Meredith’s childhood is revealed. Raised by an alcoholic single mother who verbally abused her, Meredith spends her days in her home – working, exercising, cooking and doing puzzles. She has occasional visits from a friend and the company of her cat.

The story is not all doom and gloom. As the story begins we are introduced to the date and number of days since Meredith last left the house. As the book progresses, we begin to see subtle changes in Meredith’s behaviour. She gains confidence when she begins a friendship with a volunteer who comes to visit. We see her meet the goals set during her virtual cognitive behaviour therapy. We also have Meredith’s sister arrive with an important announcement.

I loved the author’s use of humour throughout the book. The reader cannot help but cheer Meredith on in her struggle to re-enter the world outside her home. If you enjoy an inspirational story with a strong female protagonist, this book is for you.

I listened to the audiobook version of Meredith, Alone which was narrated by Freya Mavor. Her performance was articulate and full of expression and well-suited to this character. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.

What I Liked:

• The well-developed protagonist
• The author’s insight and ability to write about agoraphobia
• The use of humour throughout

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Hachette Audio and Libro.fm on the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd