Meredith Alone

Author: Claire Alexander
Publisher:  Michael Joseph
Reviewer: Beryl Eichenberger
What a simply glorious novel, a single-sitting- read that touches the heart. With the world focus so strongly on mental health, particularly post pandemic, Meredith is a protagonist that one can empathise with, root for and breathe a sigh of relief as she overcomes her fears. During the pandemic isolation was a huge challenge for so many with Zoom ‘visits’ and distance meetings taking the place of face-to-face.
While not set in the pandemic Meredith has 

​not left her house for nearly three years. Immobilised if she tries to step across her front step here is a woman who, while she holds down a virtual job, loves to bake, lives for her cat Fred and retains a cheerful and positive façade, her demons prevent her crossing that threshold in to the real world. A world that has let her down. Victim of a sexual assault, exacerbated by a traumatic childhood, these intrusive memories make their presence felt every day leaving her powerless.
But, and here is the joy, she is not alone.  Her best friend Sadie is a constant visitor, bright and cheerful and always encouraging, with her two children in tow she is a golden, sunny character. Then there is Tom the social worker who becomes her regular visitor and a new friend Celeste whom she meets on line.  Steadfast in their loyalty these are the ones who will bring Meredith to take those first shaky steps. And when her estranged sister appears, she realises she can no longer hide.
This is a beautifully constructed story showing the value of self-worth and what happens when that tenuous grasp slips through your fingers; getting past the memories of mean words from a bitter parent who continually undermines. It underscores the value and loyalty of those who believe in you, the friends who uplift you and move you gently forward and that facing the truth can be the launching pad for a new life.  An empathetic book that looks at mental issues with positivity.   Recommended.