BOOK REVIEW: Meredith, Alone - Claire Alexander

Genre: Fiction | Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: 9th June 2022

Publisher: Penguin Michael Joseph

On a day that started like any other, Meredith Maggs couldn't walk out the front door. And now, 1,214 days later, she hasn't done it since.

She's been living behind her red door on her own, but she isn't alone. She writes freelance from her house with her cat Fred, her friend Sadie pops by for tea and she's surrounded with poetry, books, puzzles - and her thoughts.

But then, she opens up the door to some unexpected new friends and her estranged sister decides to cross the threshold too. Her silent sanctuary isn't as quiet anymore, and the door that once only opened to let groceries come in is starting to look like it could be a way out.

Meredith, Alone is an achingly real and authentic novel about life after trauma, and the restorative power of friendship.

Meredith was stunning - an endearing and beautiful person. She starts of very matter-of-fact and mechanical, but her personality and her past slowly unravel as we jump from her modern life to the little moments of heartbreak, pain and trauma that lead up to that fateful moment the door was closed.

Her friendships grew naturally, gradually - Tom was a befriender but became a real friend, someone warm and comforting, and her friend Celeste who she met in a online support group who was trying to find her own bravery and strength to get through a dark time in her life. Each one was instantly recognisable and distinct, and undeniable loveable.

Deeply emotive and absorbing, it's amazing how a story that primarily takes place inside one house can be so compelling and keep the pages turning so easily.

While this story goes into some dark places, it's all written with honesty and sensitivity. Tackling difficult subjects in a refreshing and genuine style, this debut is simply stunning - I can't wait to see what Claire Alexander does next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.

CW: Mental Health, Sexual Assault, Self-Harm, Depression, Agoraphobia.

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