Meredith, Alone

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander was my first read of 2023 and I am glad the year started with a book I just couldn’t put down.

Told in the present, with flashbacks to the past triggered by memories, the novel takes the reader inside the home and mind of Meredith who has not left her home in 1,214 days. Meredith has a job she enjoys, her cat Fred and her best friend Sadie. She loves to cook and bake, do jigsaw puzzles and exercises every day. She connects with people in her online support group and with her therapist. But the past keeps her locked in her home.

A knock on the door from Tom with Holding Hands begins the process of change and healing. As the story is told the reader learns more and more about Meredith’s difficult childhood, being raised by a single mother that she fears, her sister who was her best friend and the event that shattered Meredith.

While this book is emotional as it addresses Meredith’s grief, abuse, neglect, anxiety and depression, it is also heartwarming and kind. Meredith is surround by people that love her, she has an amazing inner strength, she is an amazing friend and while she may be alone, Meredith is certainly not lonely.

Readers who enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman might also enjoy Meredith, Alone as well.