Meredith Maggs has everything a person needs.
A best friend in Sadie.
A beloved cat in Fred.
Jigsaws to fill the time.
Recipes to perfect.
Even a weekly visit from the Tesco delivery guy.
So what if she hasn’t left the house in 1,214 days? That her memories are treacherous, and it’s getting harder to ignore the estranged sister knocking at her door.
How long can one woman keep the world out?
How long before she invites in what’s out there?
And how long does it take to discover the person you were meant to be?
Book Info: Print Length: 363 pages. Publisher: Penguin. Publication date: 9 June 2022
My Thoughts:
As much as I love a dark psychological thriller, I absolutely adore books featuring quirky or socially awkward characters and the blurb above really intrigued me.
Meredith, Alone is a very moving story about a young woman called Meredith. She hasn’t left her flat in years and spends her days isolated and following a strict and regimented routine. She surrounds herself with detailed lists which give her some comfort and sense of control since she can’t leave her home.
We don’t know why Meredith has become so isolated and afraid at first but the author hints that she suffered a trauma, leaving her house-bound and alone.
Meredith is such an easy character to fall in love with, she is brutally honest and raw, she’s funny in a self-depreciating way and is definitely someone I would want to be friends with.
Throughout this compassionate story we find out more about Meredith, the relationships she has with her family and friends and what happened to her that caused this self-imposed isolation.
The main theme of this story is loneliness and fear, but the overall feeling is hope. It’s a beautifully written character driven tale that made me cry and smile and has left a lasting impression on my heart.
