Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
You might think that just because Meredith has not left her house in 1,214 days, she’s lonely. Far from it! After all, Meredith has her jigsaw puzzles, her online support group, grocery delivery and her cat Fred. Oh, and the visits from the volunteer charity arranged by her friend Sadie. It’s all fine, really. Except for the dark thoughts that stop her cold whenever she thinks of leaving the house or reconnecting with her harsh, judgmental mother. And once Meredith begins to deal with these thoughts, the floodgates open, and she is forced to remember painful experiences that threaten the steady, familiar life she’s built inside her home. As a reflection on living with trauma and mental health issues, this novel faces difficult topics head on, but it does so with a quiet strength. Those who have struggled with finding purpose after loss or isolation will find a kindred spirit in Meredith, even as we root for her to find fulfillment and peace.
Reviewed by Mary Kinser, collection development librarian, Whatcom County Library System
(Originally published in Bellingham Alive January 2023 issue.)