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princessbilbo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a powerful book. It's not gonna be for everyone for sure. But I felt seen and understood by this book.
roseapickles's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual violence
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for providing me with a free audio copy!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Meredith has not left her house for over three years, but slowly begins to make progress on the journey to healing with the help of her friends.
This is extremely character-driven literary fiction, and I’m glad I read it on audio because that is usually my preferred format for that genre! I expected a meditation on mental health, and instead got one on friendship, sisterhood, and trauma…which is fine, but not exactly what the synopsis seems to suggest. That said, I found the characters really enjoyable, and Meredith’s journey was super poignant and beautiful. I was a bit frustrated because I kept wanting *more* from the book (though exactly what I can’t articulate)…but would still recommend to lit fic lovers in the mood for some very deep topics!
CW: Self harm; sexual assault; physical and emotional abuse; mental health/trauma generally
Rating: 4/5 stars
Meredith has not left her house for over three years, but slowly begins to make progress on the journey to healing with the help of her friends.
This is extremely character-driven literary fiction, and I’m glad I read it on audio because that is usually my preferred format for that genre! I expected a meditation on mental health, and instead got one on friendship, sisterhood, and trauma…which is fine, but not exactly what the synopsis seems to suggest. That said, I found the characters really enjoyable, and Meredith’s journey was super poignant and beautiful. I was a bit frustrated because I kept wanting *more* from the book (though exactly what I can’t articulate)…but would still recommend to lit fic lovers in the mood for some very deep topics!
CW: Self harm; sexual assault; physical and emotional abuse; mental health/trauma generally
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Terminal illness, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
steph_jones89's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
my_a's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Self harm
Minor: Cancer
literarycrushes's review against another edition
3.0
Claire Alexander’s Meredith, Alone deals with several challenging subjects: toxic family relationships, mental illness, and self-harm. We first meet Meredith on day 1,214 of not leaving her home. While the pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped the world’s view on self-imposed isolation and staying home, this is still an unimaginable amount of time to stay home alone. It’s an interesting premise, as (I assume… but maybe that’s just me?) many of us have toyed with or been tempted by the idea of giving it all up and existing in some sort of solitary way (to clarify- I don’t mean that in a depressive way, more in a *sick of humanity* way), in the comfort and confines of your own making. And yet tempting as that idea may be, it is unachievable in actuality for countless reasons… until it becomes the only possible method of survival, as it was for Meredith.
The novel alternates between present-day Glasgow (2019), her childhood/teenage years in the early ‘90s, and the time of a highly traumatic event in the early 2000s. While Meredith is, at the opening of the book, estranged from her mother and sister, Fiona, she is lucky enough to have a rotating cast of characters who care deeply for her and her wellbeing in ways that many recluses do not. While overall, I found the language and relationships to be a little too cozy/cutesy for my taste, I was impressed by the novel’s heartfelt ruminations/discussions surrounding mental illness and the lasting trauma of toxic familial situations and sexual assault.
The novel alternates between present-day Glasgow (2019), her childhood/teenage years in the early ‘90s, and the time of a highly traumatic event in the early 2000s. While Meredith is, at the opening of the book, estranged from her mother and sister, Fiona, she is lucky enough to have a rotating cast of characters who care deeply for her and her wellbeing in ways that many recluses do not. While overall, I found the language and relationships to be a little too cozy/cutesy for my taste, I was impressed by the novel’s heartfelt ruminations/discussions surrounding mental illness and the lasting trauma of toxic familial situations and sexual assault.