What do you think?
Outside
Your next reading obsession, the poignant and darkly humorous long-awaited new novel from the bestselling author of If I Can’t Have You, perfect for fans of Sorrow and Bliss and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
She’s locked the door to the world. Is love strong enough to open it?
Following a tragic incident, rising-star Beatrice is struggling. Having retreated from life entirely, she finds herself unable to leave the house. With her acting career now over, (Though don’t tell her agent), and discovering who her real friends aren’t, her world has shrunk—its only inhabitants, an elderly Polish neighbour, the world’s most boring postman, her therapist with issues of her own, and Piano Bitch from across the road. Thank God for Matisse, her beloved, foul-mouthed parakeet.
When she hires Irish gardener, Finn, to tame the overgrown garden that she cannot even enter, things take an unexpected turn. Their connection blossoms, and she’s no longer isolated and alone. But can a relationship survive the restrictions that control her, or will love enable Beatrice to confront her fears and step outside again?
She’s locked the door to the world. Is love strong enough to open it?
Following a tragic incident, rising-star Beatrice is struggling. Having retreated from life entirely, she finds herself unable to leave the house. With her acting career now over, (Though don’t tell her agent), and discovering who her real friends aren’t, her world has shrunk—its only inhabitants, an elderly Polish neighbour, the world’s most boring postman, her therapist with issues of her own, and Piano Bitch from across the road. Thank God for Matisse, her beloved, foul-mouthed parakeet.
When she hires Irish gardener, Finn, to tame the overgrown garden that she cannot even enter, things take an unexpected turn. Their connection blossoms, and she’s no longer isolated and alone. But can a relationship survive the restrictions that control her, or will love enable Beatrice to confront her fears and step outside again?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2026
About the author
Charlotte Levin
4 books209 followersCharlotte Levin is the bestselling author of IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU and the Richard & Judy Book Club pick IF I LET YOU GO.
New novel, OUTSIDE - out August 6th 2026
She writes emotional yet darkly humorous character-led novels that centre on the morally grey, the outsiders, and those who could probably do with some therapy.
She has been shortlisted for the Andrea Badenoch Award, part of the New Writers North Awards, and the Mslexia Short Story Competition, as well as writing for publications, including The Observer and Marie Claire.
She lives in Manchester, England, with her cats Opal Moon, Leonard and Walter.
Her third novel OUTSIDE will be published in August 2026
website - www.charlottelevin.com
New novel, OUTSIDE - out August 6th 2026
She writes emotional yet darkly humorous character-led novels that centre on the morally grey, the outsiders, and those who could probably do with some therapy.
She has been shortlisted for the Andrea Badenoch Award, part of the New Writers North Awards, and the Mslexia Short Story Competition, as well as writing for publications, including The Observer and Marie Claire.
She lives in Manchester, England, with her cats Opal Moon, Leonard and Walter.
Her third novel OUTSIDE will be published in August 2026
website - www.charlottelevin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 13, 2026
Beatrice is the titular character in Outside by Charlotte Levin. A budding actress,she suffers from agoraphobia and is confined to her house.
I should confess that this was a total cover buy for me. I took a chance and it paid off well! This book grabbed my attention right from the start and I became very much invested in what Beatrice was feeling and what she does. The writing was so good with a touch of dark humour presenting us vignettes from the past in between the present. I loved the interactions between Beatrice and her parakeet,Matisse. I do have some minor quibbles but they do not impact the plot in any noticeable manner. That’s probably just me.
I don’t want to divulge the plot here because I feel this is one book you have to just start reading. The author’s note at the end of the book is really moving and it adds a layer of depth to the story.
Funny and reflective! I’d definitely recommend this.
I should confess that this was a total cover buy for me. I took a chance and it paid off well! This book grabbed my attention right from the start and I became very much invested in what Beatrice was feeling and what she does. The writing was so good with a touch of dark humour presenting us vignettes from the past in between the present. I loved the interactions between Beatrice and her parakeet,Matisse. I do have some minor quibbles but they do not impact the plot in any noticeable manner. That’s probably just me.
I don’t want to divulge the plot here because I feel this is one book you have to just start reading. The author’s note at the end of the book is really moving and it adds a layer of depth to the story.
Funny and reflective! I’d definitely recommend this.
June 24, 2026
4 stars ⭐
Outside follows Beatrice, a burgeoning actress who suffers from agoraphobia.
As someone who, like Beatrice, suffers from anxiety, this book shows incredibly well how anxiety disorders can gradually ruin your own life without you even noticing. And also, how anxiety makes you selfish. It makes you turn inward because your nervous system demands you have to place your own survival above all else. All rationality goes out the window. It’s something that can’t really be explained or understood unless you’ve experienced it, but this book does such an amazing job at getting you to empathise with Beatrice that I think it comes pretty damn close.
I only wish there was a little more depth to the relationship between Beatrice and her mother, which is the crux of the novel and yet never quite becomes concrete. But I loved how all the other central relationships were written, and the easy flow to the author’s writing style made them feel real.
Outside toes the line between contemporary litfic and contemporary romance, so if you enjoy this intersection I really recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Oneworld for the ARC!
Outside follows Beatrice, a burgeoning actress who suffers from agoraphobia.
As someone who, like Beatrice, suffers from anxiety, this book shows incredibly well how anxiety disorders can gradually ruin your own life without you even noticing. And also, how anxiety makes you selfish. It makes you turn inward because your nervous system demands you have to place your own survival above all else. All rationality goes out the window. It’s something that can’t really be explained or understood unless you’ve experienced it, but this book does such an amazing job at getting you to empathise with Beatrice that I think it comes pretty damn close.
I only wish there was a little more depth to the relationship between Beatrice and her mother, which is the crux of the novel and yet never quite becomes concrete. But I loved how all the other central relationships were written, and the easy flow to the author’s writing style made them feel real.
Outside toes the line between contemporary litfic and contemporary romance, so if you enjoy this intersection I really recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Oneworld for the ARC!
August 10, 2026
“Outside” book was literally an obsession for me. It got me trapped inside the story from early pages. The entire book grabbed me and made me feel everything that Beatrice was going through, and more!
Imagine this: one day, you lock the door to outside world and pray for the key to find its way back to you. Following a very tragic incident, Beatrice is trying to find a way back to herself first, before the humanity swallows her entirely. The question that is easily raised, but almost impossible to answer: is love enough to open the door again?
Beautiful written, with touches of dark humour, attachment, struggles and loss. The story unfolds the layers of the anxiety and the impact it has on life, without even noticing.
I don’t want to divulge any details of the plot. I just want to tell you: it’s good and you should read it!
My reflections
* You don’t truly know someone, until you live with them. You share a place, you share habits, you share time and energy around the same closed walls.
* How quick and easy are people jumping to conclusions nowadays? Since when did judging become a free sport?
* Fear and its way of slowly eating a soul. Fear and the imposed limits that linger with it. Fear that wears different shapes from human to human.
* I am, majority of times, an over-thinker and it consumes me. My conclusion is never singular. My solution comes with a backup solution. I’m intensely working with my brain to take some time off from this behaviour 🫠
* In a world full of dishonest believes, I find it hard to understand how some people still question anxiety and panic attacks.
* “Do you know Justin Bieber?” Would have also been my curiosity.
* If you’re a “Sorrow and bliss” reader, you need to read this.
Imagine this: one day, you lock the door to outside world and pray for the key to find its way back to you. Following a very tragic incident, Beatrice is trying to find a way back to herself first, before the humanity swallows her entirely. The question that is easily raised, but almost impossible to answer: is love enough to open the door again?
Beautiful written, with touches of dark humour, attachment, struggles and loss. The story unfolds the layers of the anxiety and the impact it has on life, without even noticing.
I don’t want to divulge any details of the plot. I just want to tell you: it’s good and you should read it!
My reflections
* You don’t truly know someone, until you live with them. You share a place, you share habits, you share time and energy around the same closed walls.
* How quick and easy are people jumping to conclusions nowadays? Since when did judging become a free sport?
* Fear and its way of slowly eating a soul. Fear and the imposed limits that linger with it. Fear that wears different shapes from human to human.
* I am, majority of times, an over-thinker and it consumes me. My conclusion is never singular. My solution comes with a backup solution. I’m intensely working with my brain to take some time off from this behaviour 🫠
* In a world full of dishonest believes, I find it hard to understand how some people still question anxiety and panic attacks.
* “Do you know Justin Bieber?” Would have also been my curiosity.
* If you’re a “Sorrow and bliss” reader, you need to read this.
September 11, 2026
Beatrice cannot leave the house.
Oh my word. Outside is magnificent and I loved it. Before I forget, when you read Outside, afterwards make sure you also read the Author’s Note for a real insight into humanity that will break your heart.
Essentially, in terms of action, the plot to Outside is relatively simple as it illustrates Beatrice’s struggles with her inability to leave the house, but that completely belies the enormous impact of the narrative, the pivotal moments, the skilful and compelling structure and the absolute assuredness of presenting a flawed and struggling character.
The seasonal, Before, and Now sections oscillate through the narrative in a manner that mirrors Bea’s own unstable emotions so that the impact is felt even more strongly. Her declining mental health is depicted with devastating insight. Much of how Beatrice feels will resonate with readers, and whilst her physical response to her emotional turmoil may be extreme, Charlotte Levin presents it so authentically that it is mesmerising.
If that sounds unremittingly bleak, rest assured that Outside may be emotionally impactful, but it is also funny, hugely relatable and actually very reassuring. The inclusion of Matisse provides Shakespearean light relief and, as well as shedding a tear, I laughed aloud at times. Outside is filled with compassion, hope and life. I loved the references to music, nature and the performing arts because they added reality beyond Beatrice’s confined life. Whilst Beatrice may be having therapy, her experience is simultaneously therapy and balm to the soul of her readers.
Beatrice is one of the best defined characters I have encountered in fiction. She is grief stricken; she’s often selfish, irrational and stubborn. Frequently she will say or do audacious things rather than present others with the truth of her illness. She also has resilience (far more than she gives herself credit for), a huge capacity for love and the strength of character to survive. I adored the way forgiveness in all forms was explored in Outside, through what we learn of Bea’s parents, and Bea’s relationship with Finn, Jonathan and Zoey because the theme helps shape who Bea is and enhances our understanding of her.
Other themes are woven into the narrative with compelling dexterity. Charlotte Levin explores friendship, family, duty, guilt, grief, betrayal and so many aspects of life that we can all relate to, making Outside incredibly impactful, especially when the seemingly sanguine Finn is shown to have problems of his own. These people don’t feel like characters in a book, but rather they appear like you and me, our friends and neighbours, providing a sense of belonging as well as brilliant entertainment.
I thought Outside was superb because it’s layered, interesting and, rather like an Exocet missile, creeps up on the reader and hits them with such emotional force that the impact is tremendous. What Charlotte Levin does in Outside is to show that we are all messy, complicated individuals and, most importantly, she gives us permission to be human. That’s a wonderful thing to do.
Oh my word. Outside is magnificent and I loved it. Before I forget, when you read Outside, afterwards make sure you also read the Author’s Note for a real insight into humanity that will break your heart.
Essentially, in terms of action, the plot to Outside is relatively simple as it illustrates Beatrice’s struggles with her inability to leave the house, but that completely belies the enormous impact of the narrative, the pivotal moments, the skilful and compelling structure and the absolute assuredness of presenting a flawed and struggling character.
The seasonal, Before, and Now sections oscillate through the narrative in a manner that mirrors Bea’s own unstable emotions so that the impact is felt even more strongly. Her declining mental health is depicted with devastating insight. Much of how Beatrice feels will resonate with readers, and whilst her physical response to her emotional turmoil may be extreme, Charlotte Levin presents it so authentically that it is mesmerising.
If that sounds unremittingly bleak, rest assured that Outside may be emotionally impactful, but it is also funny, hugely relatable and actually very reassuring. The inclusion of Matisse provides Shakespearean light relief and, as well as shedding a tear, I laughed aloud at times. Outside is filled with compassion, hope and life. I loved the references to music, nature and the performing arts because they added reality beyond Beatrice’s confined life. Whilst Beatrice may be having therapy, her experience is simultaneously therapy and balm to the soul of her readers.
Beatrice is one of the best defined characters I have encountered in fiction. She is grief stricken; she’s often selfish, irrational and stubborn. Frequently she will say or do audacious things rather than present others with the truth of her illness. She also has resilience (far more than she gives herself credit for), a huge capacity for love and the strength of character to survive. I adored the way forgiveness in all forms was explored in Outside, through what we learn of Bea’s parents, and Bea’s relationship with Finn, Jonathan and Zoey because the theme helps shape who Bea is and enhances our understanding of her.
Other themes are woven into the narrative with compelling dexterity. Charlotte Levin explores friendship, family, duty, guilt, grief, betrayal and so many aspects of life that we can all relate to, making Outside incredibly impactful, especially when the seemingly sanguine Finn is shown to have problems of his own. These people don’t feel like characters in a book, but rather they appear like you and me, our friends and neighbours, providing a sense of belonging as well as brilliant entertainment.
I thought Outside was superb because it’s layered, interesting and, rather like an Exocet missile, creeps up on the reader and hits them with such emotional force that the impact is tremendous. What Charlotte Levin does in Outside is to show that we are all messy, complicated individuals and, most importantly, she gives us permission to be human. That’s a wonderful thing to do.
August 11, 2026
It’s impossible to stay sad when doing jazz hands.
Apparently books where women look forlorn whilst lying on their side on the cover are the books for me, because I loved this one too. I was so intrigued by the review I saw a week or so ago, that Outside went to the top of my tbr immediately and I bought it the moment it came out.
It follows Beatrice, an actress, who suffers from agoraphobia brought on by a combination of severe anxiety and an extremely traumatic event. She is living reclusively and avoiding her professional and personal obligations and wishing she could go back to the person she was 'before'.
Sometimes I get tired by the flitting back and forth of timelines in these types of stories, and waiting for 'The Big Event,' but that didn't happen here. Agoraphobia isn't necessarily something that happens all in one go and considering the author Charlotte Levin suffers from it too, I wasn't surprised how well she portrayed that.
Levin herself is incredibly endearing and open about her experience with agoraphobia on her social media and I hope this book has felt healing and hopeful in a way for her as it ends up being for Beatrice. I hope she gets to see her book in a store someday soon 💙
Apparently books where women look forlorn whilst lying on their side on the cover are the books for me, because I loved this one too. I was so intrigued by the review I saw a week or so ago, that Outside went to the top of my tbr immediately and I bought it the moment it came out.
It follows Beatrice, an actress, who suffers from agoraphobia brought on by a combination of severe anxiety and an extremely traumatic event. She is living reclusively and avoiding her professional and personal obligations and wishing she could go back to the person she was 'before'.
Sometimes I get tired by the flitting back and forth of timelines in these types of stories, and waiting for 'The Big Event,' but that didn't happen here. Agoraphobia isn't necessarily something that happens all in one go and considering the author Charlotte Levin suffers from it too, I wasn't surprised how well she portrayed that.
Levin herself is incredibly endearing and open about her experience with agoraphobia on her social media and I hope this book has felt healing and hopeful in a way for her as it ends up being for Beatrice. I hope she gets to see her book in a store someday soon 💙
July 30, 2026
4.5⭐️💫 Following a tragic incident, rising-star Beatrice is struggling. Having retreated from life entirely, she finds herself unable to leave the house. With her acting career now over, (Though don’t tell her agent), and discovering who her real friends aren’t, her world has shrunk—its only inhabitants, an elderly Polish neighbour, the world’s most boring postman, her therapist with issues of her own, and Piano Bitch from across the road. Thank God for Matisse, her beloved, foul-mouthed parakeet. When she hires Irish gardener, Finn, to tame the overgrown garden that she cannot even enter, things take an unexpected turn. Their connection blossoms, and she’s no longer isolated and alone. But can a relationship survive the restrictions that control her, or will love enable Beatrice to confront her fears and step outside again?
I was utterly captivated by the storytelling of this book, the writing style fully encapsulating everything about the present day situation, inserting snippets of the past to explain the current predicament.
Beatrice is a brilliant character, the writing style providing an insight into every single one of her thoughts, so much so that at times, I was wondering if I had become so connected with the character that I was preempting what she was going to say!
The premise of someone dealing with agoraphobia might not seem like the most gripping of hooks for a book but honestly, this is so beautifully written it is like taking a journey with a close friend, feeling every emotion along the way. It’s hard to delve much deeper in this review without giving too much away but Beatrice is a character you will keep in your heart for many years to come.
And my favourite relationship in the whole book? Why the one between Beatrice and parakeet Matisse of course, with certain moments summed up perfectly thanks to the minimal vocabulary the bird has learnt.
I did wonder if we would be told more about some of the last events revealed, but overall it is evident the reader doesn’t need to know more than is detailed as the reasoning for why Beatrice develops her need for a safe space for her to remain becomes obvious. This is a powerful book that is filled with of importance and I can’t recommend enough, a brilliant and clever read.
I was utterly captivated by the storytelling of this book, the writing style fully encapsulating everything about the present day situation, inserting snippets of the past to explain the current predicament.
Beatrice is a brilliant character, the writing style providing an insight into every single one of her thoughts, so much so that at times, I was wondering if I had become so connected with the character that I was preempting what she was going to say!
The premise of someone dealing with agoraphobia might not seem like the most gripping of hooks for a book but honestly, this is so beautifully written it is like taking a journey with a close friend, feeling every emotion along the way. It’s hard to delve much deeper in this review without giving too much away but Beatrice is a character you will keep in your heart for many years to come.
And my favourite relationship in the whole book? Why the one between Beatrice and parakeet Matisse of course, with certain moments summed up perfectly thanks to the minimal vocabulary the bird has learnt.
I did wonder if we would be told more about some of the last events revealed, but overall it is evident the reader doesn’t need to know more than is detailed as the reasoning for why Beatrice develops her need for a safe space for her to remain becomes obvious. This is a powerful book that is filled with of importance and I can’t recommend enough, a brilliant and clever read.
August 13, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
I genuinely don’t know how Charlotte Levin has managed to write a book about agoraphobia that is this heartbreaking, hilarious and hopeful all at once, but I absolutely loved it.
Beatrice is such a brilliant main character. She is messy, complicated, funny, frustrating and incredibly easy to root for. I loved being inside her head and seeing the world through her perspective, especially because Charlotte never reduces her to her agoraphobia or the trauma that caused it. She feels like a whole person, with all the contradictions and flaws that come with being human, and I found myself so invested in her journey.
The exploration of agoraphobia is one of the strongest parts of the book. Knowing that Charlotte draws from her own experiences makes it feel incredibly authentic, but I also loved how much empathy she creates for something that can be so difficult for other people to understand. That whole idea of ‘why can’t you just leave the house?’ is so easy to dismiss until you’re inside Beatrice’s thoughts and understand that the door is not just a door. The anxiety, fear and grief that have made her home feel like the only safe place are explored so beautifully and sensitively.
And somehow, amongst all of this, the book is genuinely very funny. Beatrice’s dark humour was exactly what the story needed and then there is Matisse. I’m sorry but this foul-mouthed parakeet absolutely stole the show. Some of the moments involving him had me properly laughing out loud and I loved how much light he brought to what could otherwise have been a very heavy story.
I also really loved the relationships in this book, particularly how Beatrice’s isolation has shaped the way she connects with other people. Finn was such a lovely addition too. I loved that he didn’t magically ‘fix’ Beatrice, he just listened, supported her and gave her space to figure things out for herself. Their relationship felt genuinely tender and hopeful.
But I think it was the exploration of grief that resonated with me most. There is so much in Bea’s story about what happens when you aren’t given the time or space to actually grieve, particularly when the people around you expect you to carry on or return to who you were before. I found that incredibly affecting because grief can be impossible to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced a loss that fundamentally changes you. You can try to describe it, but there is no real way to understand the scale of it until you’ve lived through it yourself. Charlotte captures so beautifully how loss doesn’t just make you sad, it can completely alter who you are, how you see yourself and how you move through the world.
Watching Bea slowly confront everything she has been carrying and begin to find her own strength was genuinely emotional. There were moments where I had tears in my eyes, but the book never became relentlessly bleak. Charlotte manages to find so much warmth and humour amongst the darker moments, which made the emotional parts hit even harder.
Outside is heartfelt, funny, painful and surprisingly uplifting. It’s a story about agoraphobia and anxiety, but also grief, identity, connection and finding the courage to take those first tiny steps towards something different. I absolutely adored Beatrice and I think she’s going to stay with me for a long time.
I genuinely don’t know how Charlotte Levin has managed to write a book about agoraphobia that is this heartbreaking, hilarious and hopeful all at once, but I absolutely loved it.
Beatrice is such a brilliant main character. She is messy, complicated, funny, frustrating and incredibly easy to root for. I loved being inside her head and seeing the world through her perspective, especially because Charlotte never reduces her to her agoraphobia or the trauma that caused it. She feels like a whole person, with all the contradictions and flaws that come with being human, and I found myself so invested in her journey.
The exploration of agoraphobia is one of the strongest parts of the book. Knowing that Charlotte draws from her own experiences makes it feel incredibly authentic, but I also loved how much empathy she creates for something that can be so difficult for other people to understand. That whole idea of ‘why can’t you just leave the house?’ is so easy to dismiss until you’re inside Beatrice’s thoughts and understand that the door is not just a door. The anxiety, fear and grief that have made her home feel like the only safe place are explored so beautifully and sensitively.
And somehow, amongst all of this, the book is genuinely very funny. Beatrice’s dark humour was exactly what the story needed and then there is Matisse. I’m sorry but this foul-mouthed parakeet absolutely stole the show. Some of the moments involving him had me properly laughing out loud and I loved how much light he brought to what could otherwise have been a very heavy story.
I also really loved the relationships in this book, particularly how Beatrice’s isolation has shaped the way she connects with other people. Finn was such a lovely addition too. I loved that he didn’t magically ‘fix’ Beatrice, he just listened, supported her and gave her space to figure things out for herself. Their relationship felt genuinely tender and hopeful.
But I think it was the exploration of grief that resonated with me most. There is so much in Bea’s story about what happens when you aren’t given the time or space to actually grieve, particularly when the people around you expect you to carry on or return to who you were before. I found that incredibly affecting because grief can be impossible to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced a loss that fundamentally changes you. You can try to describe it, but there is no real way to understand the scale of it until you’ve lived through it yourself. Charlotte captures so beautifully how loss doesn’t just make you sad, it can completely alter who you are, how you see yourself and how you move through the world.
Watching Bea slowly confront everything she has been carrying and begin to find her own strength was genuinely emotional. There were moments where I had tears in my eyes, but the book never became relentlessly bleak. Charlotte manages to find so much warmth and humour amongst the darker moments, which made the emotional parts hit even harder.
Outside is heartfelt, funny, painful and surprisingly uplifting. It’s a story about agoraphobia and anxiety, but also grief, identity, connection and finding the courage to take those first tiny steps towards something different. I absolutely adored Beatrice and I think she’s going to stay with me for a long time.
September 10, 2026
The plot & focus on agoraphobia is what interested me about this & is predominantly what kept me reading.
There was a mixture of dry humour in this but also really resonating & emotional lines that I could relate to; it had me tearing up & laughing all in the same chapter for a lot of the book. I also liked how the writer let us see the events which led to Beatrice's agoraphobia in the 'before' chapters, I thought this was executed really well & got me to understand & empathise with her more. I thought the first half of the book was slightly stronger than the rest, the pacing felt more steady compared to the latter half where things began feeling rushed & I thought the ending felt quite sudden, I would've liked a bit more to it personally.
For the most part I liked the slow burn romance between Beatrice & Finn, I enjoyed the obvious tension they had between them at the start of their relationship & the lines of dialogue between them & the characters as a whole was something I particularly enjoyed. The character development with Beatrice did feel realistically gradual which I appreciated but I'd have liked less focus on her wanting to leave the house for Finn & rather wanting it for herself. I could understand her mindset & I think some scenes toward the end did satisfy this somewhat but I'd have liked more on that.
The general writing style of this made it addictive to read & I'd love to read more by Levin in the future. I also thought her author's note at the end elevated the story for me & helped me change my own opinion on some things afterward. This is a hopeful story for agoraphobics which I really appreciated & I haven't read anything quite like this before. There were quite a few lines from Beatrice's view that really hit me hard & I could really relate to. As a character, she may not have been perfect but I really liked her & I enjoyed my time spent with her.
If you enjoy fictions revolved around complexities of mental health with relatable & real characters, I'd recommend this highly.
Thank you Oneworld for my gifted copy!
There was a mixture of dry humour in this but also really resonating & emotional lines that I could relate to; it had me tearing up & laughing all in the same chapter for a lot of the book. I also liked how the writer let us see the events which led to Beatrice's agoraphobia in the 'before' chapters, I thought this was executed really well & got me to understand & empathise with her more. I thought the first half of the book was slightly stronger than the rest, the pacing felt more steady compared to the latter half where things began feeling rushed & I thought the ending felt quite sudden, I would've liked a bit more to it personally.
For the most part I liked the slow burn romance between Beatrice & Finn, I enjoyed the obvious tension they had between them at the start of their relationship & the lines of dialogue between them & the characters as a whole was something I particularly enjoyed. The character development with Beatrice did feel realistically gradual which I appreciated but I'd have liked less focus on her wanting to leave the house for Finn & rather wanting it for herself. I could understand her mindset & I think some scenes toward the end did satisfy this somewhat but I'd have liked more on that.
The general writing style of this made it addictive to read & I'd love to read more by Levin in the future. I also thought her author's note at the end elevated the story for me & helped me change my own opinion on some things afterward. This is a hopeful story for agoraphobics which I really appreciated & I haven't read anything quite like this before. There were quite a few lines from Beatrice's view that really hit me hard & I could really relate to. As a character, she may not have been perfect but I really liked her & I enjoyed my time spent with her.
If you enjoy fictions revolved around complexities of mental health with relatable & real characters, I'd recommend this highly.
Thank you Oneworld for my gifted copy!
August 24, 2026
I enjoyed this book and found it to be a good insight into anxiety and how it can escalate beyond what seems logical. It shows how illogical anxiety can be.
It was a moving story with some very dark funny parts.
Loved how it switched between before and now to show how it gradually shifted and worsened over time.
The panic attacks were described in such an accurate way.
Loved it.
It was a moving story with some very dark funny parts.
Loved how it switched between before and now to show how it gradually shifted and worsened over time.
The panic attacks were described in such an accurate way.
Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beatrice is struggling. After the death of her mother, she withdraws from everything and everyone and finds herself unable to leave the house, and venture outside.
A lifetime of acting is gone, and she's left learning who her real friends are - or aren't. As I'm sure many of us have experienced, traumatic events have a way of showing you exactly who sticks around. Her world has shrunk down to herself, her 'therapist', her pet parakeet Matisse, her elderly Polish neighbour, and Marvin - sorry, Martin - the world's most boring postie.
So when she hires Finn, an Irish gardener, to revive her overgrown, neglected and unloved garden - a garden she can't even bring herself to step into - things slowly begin to change. She is no longer isolated, and as they build a connection, is there the chance that Beatrice may in fact, step outside again.
This was an incredibly insightful and interesting book, and after reading the author’s note at the end, having learned that a lot of this was based off of Charlottes own life experiences, just adds to the vulnerability and authenticity of the story. As well as actually teaching me a thing or two, I for one, have never experienced agoraphobia, I cannot begin to fathom what it is like to feel trapped in such a way that you are unable to step foot outside. However, I do know what it is like to be trapped inside your own mind. I know this isn’t the same, not by a long shot, but the thoughts, feelings and effects of anxiety disorders - however they present - felt incredibly relatable.
This was written in past and present timelines, as well as in four seasons, shifting between her past and present day. Where you get to learn about Beatrice, her mother, and everyone in her life.
Beatrice is so full of wit and dark humour - and I think for a lot of us who do suffer with our mental health, we do use humour as a crutch. We find ourselves laughing in the face of trauma because, for many of us, humour becomes a coping mechanism - it definitely is for me - and quite frankly I think it is very much needed amongst all the dark and serious moments. Especially when it’s in the form of a foul mouthed parakeet Matisse. Where oh where do we start with him. The relationship dynamic between these two, was just something, it brought such light to the prose, and he stole so many of the key moments in the narrative with his minimal vocabulary. It worked perfectly.
Learning about Beatrice's upbringing, really shows the impact this had on her overall mental health and identity and why she is the way she is today. Her mother for instance, Marianne, she is the absolute epitome of that typical rock and roll model lifestyle. Complex and self-centred, she clearly loves her daughter, but never quite knows how to show it, being surrounded by drugs, smoking and the celebrity life. My only real criticism is that I'd have loved to spend a little longer in Beatrice's past. A little more depth there would have strengthened some of the relationships and answered a few lingering questions.
Finn brought the best out in Beatrice, he was so kind and thoughtful and was just there to listen and support without question, and that is something she hadn’t really had until now. He was the complete opposite to everyone she has had in her life bringing a sense of stability to a life she isn’t used to – and never tries to be the perfect person. He isn’t, and isn’t afraid to show that.
It was so lovely to watch Beatrice peel back her layers, find her inner strength as well as show her resilience and her grieving journey over the course of the following year. To stand up to her own mind was so humbling to read.
Charlottes hopes with writing Outside, was to send love and solidarity to all who suffer with all forms of anxiety disorders as well as agoraphobia and hopes that this proves to all, that they are not alone, and that things can always improve.
And I can absolutely agree with this sentiment, it has definitely shown the reader, exactly that. You may feel disconnected, misunderstood and unable to let someone fully in, but eventually you find your feet with the right people around you, who they are, may surprise you…but with the right people beside you, those first steps become possible. Sometimes all it takes is that first step outside.
Thank you so much to Insta Book Tours & Charlotte for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A lifetime of acting is gone, and she's left learning who her real friends are - or aren't. As I'm sure many of us have experienced, traumatic events have a way of showing you exactly who sticks around. Her world has shrunk down to herself, her 'therapist', her pet parakeet Matisse, her elderly Polish neighbour, and Marvin - sorry, Martin - the world's most boring postie.
So when she hires Finn, an Irish gardener, to revive her overgrown, neglected and unloved garden - a garden she can't even bring herself to step into - things slowly begin to change. She is no longer isolated, and as they build a connection, is there the chance that Beatrice may in fact, step outside again.
This was an incredibly insightful and interesting book, and after reading the author’s note at the end, having learned that a lot of this was based off of Charlottes own life experiences, just adds to the vulnerability and authenticity of the story. As well as actually teaching me a thing or two, I for one, have never experienced agoraphobia, I cannot begin to fathom what it is like to feel trapped in such a way that you are unable to step foot outside. However, I do know what it is like to be trapped inside your own mind. I know this isn’t the same, not by a long shot, but the thoughts, feelings and effects of anxiety disorders - however they present - felt incredibly relatable.
This was written in past and present timelines, as well as in four seasons, shifting between her past and present day. Where you get to learn about Beatrice, her mother, and everyone in her life.
Beatrice is so full of wit and dark humour - and I think for a lot of us who do suffer with our mental health, we do use humour as a crutch. We find ourselves laughing in the face of trauma because, for many of us, humour becomes a coping mechanism - it definitely is for me - and quite frankly I think it is very much needed amongst all the dark and serious moments. Especially when it’s in the form of a foul mouthed parakeet Matisse. Where oh where do we start with him. The relationship dynamic between these two, was just something, it brought such light to the prose, and he stole so many of the key moments in the narrative with his minimal vocabulary. It worked perfectly.
Learning about Beatrice's upbringing, really shows the impact this had on her overall mental health and identity and why she is the way she is today. Her mother for instance, Marianne, she is the absolute epitome of that typical rock and roll model lifestyle. Complex and self-centred, she clearly loves her daughter, but never quite knows how to show it, being surrounded by drugs, smoking and the celebrity life. My only real criticism is that I'd have loved to spend a little longer in Beatrice's past. A little more depth there would have strengthened some of the relationships and answered a few lingering questions.
Finn brought the best out in Beatrice, he was so kind and thoughtful and was just there to listen and support without question, and that is something she hadn’t really had until now. He was the complete opposite to everyone she has had in her life bringing a sense of stability to a life she isn’t used to – and never tries to be the perfect person. He isn’t, and isn’t afraid to show that.
It was so lovely to watch Beatrice peel back her layers, find her inner strength as well as show her resilience and her grieving journey over the course of the following year. To stand up to her own mind was so humbling to read.
Charlottes hopes with writing Outside, was to send love and solidarity to all who suffer with all forms of anxiety disorders as well as agoraphobia and hopes that this proves to all, that they are not alone, and that things can always improve.
And I can absolutely agree with this sentiment, it has definitely shown the reader, exactly that. You may feel disconnected, misunderstood and unable to let someone fully in, but eventually you find your feet with the right people around you, who they are, may surprise you…but with the right people beside you, those first steps become possible. Sometimes all it takes is that first step outside.
Thank you so much to Insta Book Tours & Charlotte for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'What's this about a gardener?'
'Oh, just that I pretended I wanted a quote, then feigned dizziness to get him to move the bins back. Anxiety makes you evil. They don't publicise that on mental health awareness week. God knows what I'll do next time.'
Outside was quite an experience— equal parts funny and devastating. I'm not sure I've read a book about agoraphobia before, and certainly not any as effective as this one.
It works especially well, I think, because of the many darkly humorous moments peppered amongst the story of Beatrice's mental health struggles. Levin balances the light with the dark, allowing us to laugh at a ridiculous scenario at the same time as feeling deeply sorry for Beatrice. Having a parakeet say "wanker" at perfectly (or terribly) timed moments was hilarious.
The story alternates between the present, where Beatrice cannot leave her house, and the past, in which she is an actress following in her mother's footsteps. There is also a third "Before" that looks at Beatrice's early childhood primarily from her mother's perspective. Throughout, mysterious events where bad things happened are teased, and discovering exactly what occurred drives the novel.
While I was reading this book, it so happens that I adopted a new cat. If you don't know, often when cats are rehomed, when their whole world is turned upside down and nothing smells familiar... they hide. They find a small place to make secure and hole up there until the outside world becomes bearable again. I say this because the parallels struck me, and because it has a certain logic. When your world is destabilised, when it becomes unpredictable and maybe unsafe, creating a small, enclosed environment that you can control actually makes sense.
That's what Beatrice does when her world falls apart. I really liked her as a character, and I found her poor decision-making realistic and understandable given the circumstances. Her bond with Matisse (the parakeet) was wonderful and moving.
There is a love story, but the author handles this carefully and refuses to offer a neat solution in Beatrice's healing. I really appreciate not selling romance as a cure-all, which too many authors are tempted to do, and Levin's resistance to giving Beatrice a magical way out strengthens the story.
My two minor complaints are related. 1) I think it went on a little too long, and 2) Some of the subplots seemed unnecessary. I wasn't totally sold on the mystery of Beatrice's father's identity, and I'm not sure why we got to see her therapist's romance.
Still, I thought it was very good. Going in, I was a bit worried it would be like other books in which a female protagonist lives in her head/room and the whole point seems to be to bore the reader senseless (*cough*My Year of Rest and Relaxation*cough*) but it is closer to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Sorrow and Bliss, both of which I loved.
And the author's note is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Oneworld for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I had this pre-ordered but had to cancel it after having money issues so I'm thrilled I was sent an e-copy.
I found this instantly fabulous. Beatrice is a difficult character to like at times, but I found myself really warming to her. She has her issues yes, but they're not just used as a side story or just to tick a box. They're so deep and considered and done with such empathy, I loved her. Charlotte's talent at creating a character that has been through grief and other difficulties, and has struggled with coping with all of that - she's just a very familiar and well written character and I just wanted to hold her hand throughout.
It flits between the "now" and the "before". Whilst the "before" scenes are interesting and I enjoyed them, I preferred the present scenes. I felt there was more, personally, for me to get my teeth into.
It is so effortless to read and feels like it was effortless to write (although I don't want to dumb down the writing experience). The sentences are written well, the dialogue natural, the characters so deep and familiar, the chapters a reasonable length, the emotion deep and moving and identifiable and just, yeah, really effortless storytelling.
I love how intense it is. That sounds weird, let me explain. There's some difficult topics covered in this book, some intense feelings, but she's handled them so well. They're not hidden but now are they sensationalised. She's got the right balance. And she's injected humour into it. Not OTT humour and it's also not a morbid humour, it's a natural humour which helps lighten the tougher moments.
It's not a short book at nearly 400 pages but it's so easy to read that I finished it in just a day. It flows so well and it is so enjoyable that the page count just flies by.
My one...not negative, because it's not a negative, more of an observation and what I wanted. The ending was a little abrupt. It was really good, don't get me wrong, and I think it's because it was so good that I wanted more. I'd have liked the resolution and relationships just to be drawn out a bit more so I could enjoy it more. But what is there is very good, works well with the story, and leaves you satisfied.
I believe Charlotte has her own experiences with agoraphobia, which is why this book is so important to her and I can really see that personal touch. People think it's not as serious as it is, that you're lazy, you don't want to go out, you want to stay home - but that's simplifying it. It's not a condition that means you want to stay at home. It's a condition that means you can't leave the house. That's completely different and I think it will do a world of good to see it as a main plot point in a mainstream book by a popular author.
What I can't believe is this is the first of her books I've read. I would have put money on having read her others but apparently not. But this is a good thing because now it gives me an excuse to buy them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Oneworld for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I had this pre-ordered but had to cancel it after having money issues so I'm thrilled I was sent an e-copy.
I found this instantly fabulous. Beatrice is a difficult character to like at times, but I found myself really warming to her. She has her issues yes, but they're not just used as a side story or just to tick a box. They're so deep and considered and done with such empathy, I loved her. Charlotte's talent at creating a character that has been through grief and other difficulties, and has struggled with coping with all of that - she's just a very familiar and well written character and I just wanted to hold her hand throughout.
It flits between the "now" and the "before". Whilst the "before" scenes are interesting and I enjoyed them, I preferred the present scenes. I felt there was more, personally, for me to get my teeth into.
It is so effortless to read and feels like it was effortless to write (although I don't want to dumb down the writing experience). The sentences are written well, the dialogue natural, the characters so deep and familiar, the chapters a reasonable length, the emotion deep and moving and identifiable and just, yeah, really effortless storytelling.
I love how intense it is. That sounds weird, let me explain. There's some difficult topics covered in this book, some intense feelings, but she's handled them so well. They're not hidden but now are they sensationalised. She's got the right balance. And she's injected humour into it. Not OTT humour and it's also not a morbid humour, it's a natural humour which helps lighten the tougher moments.
It's not a short book at nearly 400 pages but it's so easy to read that I finished it in just a day. It flows so well and it is so enjoyable that the page count just flies by.
My one...not negative, because it's not a negative, more of an observation and what I wanted. The ending was a little abrupt. It was really good, don't get me wrong, and I think it's because it was so good that I wanted more. I'd have liked the resolution and relationships just to be drawn out a bit more so I could enjoy it more. But what is there is very good, works well with the story, and leaves you satisfied.
I believe Charlotte has her own experiences with agoraphobia, which is why this book is so important to her and I can really see that personal touch. People think it's not as serious as it is, that you're lazy, you don't want to go out, you want to stay home - but that's simplifying it. It's not a condition that means you want to stay at home. It's a condition that means you can't leave the house. That's completely different and I think it will do a world of good to see it as a main plot point in a mainstream book by a popular author.
What I can't believe is this is the first of her books I've read. I would have put money on having read her others but apparently not. But this is a good thing because now it gives me an excuse to buy them.
July 22, 2026
Can you imagine sitting in your living room with the curtains closed, not being able to even look at your garden? Not being able to wheel the bins to the edge of the road or help a neighbour in need?
Meet Beatrice. After going through a devastating life event, she slowly shrinks away from a life she thought she loved and people she believed would always be there for her. Beatrice’s life slowly becomes a blurred mess of grief, agoraphobia and depression, and she passes the time by chatting with her swearword-happy parakeet, dancing wildly on the sofa and playing old records. Her only friends are now the postman and her lovely Polish neighbour.
That is, until Finn comes along. The Irish gardener handing flyers out around her neighbourhood and chatting happily to Gorgeous Woman. After several excuses and odd stories, Finn ends up in Beatrice’s garden.
“Would you like a macaron? They’re lavender.”
“Oh… not to be rude but they sound terrible.”
****
This is an intense, emotional story peppered with dark, witty humour. If you follow Charlotte on social media, you'll know she has shared her own experiences with agoraphobia, which explains why she's able to write about it so authentically.
If it's not an illness you have encountered before (lucky you!), Beatrice and her lifestyle might annoy you. You might feel yourself screaming through the pages at her to 'just go outside', but I can promise you that suffering with agoraphobia really is this damn bad. In which case, I urge you to read on and really try to understand how life-ruining it can be.
“I can’t go outside.”
“Well of course you can, Beatrice. You just open the door and go.”
Despite Beatrice pausing her work as an actress and retreating from the world, she is still desperate for connection. She relies on a few kind people to help her get by - putting the bins out, therapy sessions, food deliveries and so on, all while talking to the portrait of her mother hanging in the hallway.
“I am appalling. I am. Thanks a f**king lot.”
Through a series of 'then' and 'now' chapters, including a few 'past' chapters about her mother's youth, we get to learn about Beatrice's life and all of the things that have made her who she is. From living in the shadow of a world-famous mother, to missing out on top projects, she's been through a lot and it's finally all come crashing down.
“I want to see the ocean… it terrifies me that I’ll never see the ocean again.”
One thing I do wish is that there was more to Beatrice's relationship with her mother. I really wish we knew more. I feel like it would have been quite important and could have replaced some of the smaller scenes, perhaps the ones with her therapist. Having said that, going through therapy is a huge part of having a mental health illness, so I understand why those scenes were written.
Overall, I loved this book. I cried, laughed and related the whole way through. I thought it was very funny, but deeply sad and reflective of what life can be like with agoraphobia. It’s definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far and I have been recommending it to everyone.
I received this book as part of a book tour, so a huge thanks to Hollie @noveltours and Charlotte and Magpie Books for having me!
Meet Beatrice. After going through a devastating life event, she slowly shrinks away from a life she thought she loved and people she believed would always be there for her. Beatrice’s life slowly becomes a blurred mess of grief, agoraphobia and depression, and she passes the time by chatting with her swearword-happy parakeet, dancing wildly on the sofa and playing old records. Her only friends are now the postman and her lovely Polish neighbour.
That is, until Finn comes along. The Irish gardener handing flyers out around her neighbourhood and chatting happily to Gorgeous Woman. After several excuses and odd stories, Finn ends up in Beatrice’s garden.
“Would you like a macaron? They’re lavender.”
“Oh… not to be rude but they sound terrible.”
****
This is an intense, emotional story peppered with dark, witty humour. If you follow Charlotte on social media, you'll know she has shared her own experiences with agoraphobia, which explains why she's able to write about it so authentically.
If it's not an illness you have encountered before (lucky you!), Beatrice and her lifestyle might annoy you. You might feel yourself screaming through the pages at her to 'just go outside', but I can promise you that suffering with agoraphobia really is this damn bad. In which case, I urge you to read on and really try to understand how life-ruining it can be.
“I can’t go outside.”
“Well of course you can, Beatrice. You just open the door and go.”
Despite Beatrice pausing her work as an actress and retreating from the world, she is still desperate for connection. She relies on a few kind people to help her get by - putting the bins out, therapy sessions, food deliveries and so on, all while talking to the portrait of her mother hanging in the hallway.
“I am appalling. I am. Thanks a f**king lot.”
Through a series of 'then' and 'now' chapters, including a few 'past' chapters about her mother's youth, we get to learn about Beatrice's life and all of the things that have made her who she is. From living in the shadow of a world-famous mother, to missing out on top projects, she's been through a lot and it's finally all come crashing down.
“I want to see the ocean… it terrifies me that I’ll never see the ocean again.”
One thing I do wish is that there was more to Beatrice's relationship with her mother. I really wish we knew more. I feel like it would have been quite important and could have replaced some of the smaller scenes, perhaps the ones with her therapist. Having said that, going through therapy is a huge part of having a mental health illness, so I understand why those scenes were written.
Overall, I loved this book. I cried, laughed and related the whole way through. I thought it was very funny, but deeply sad and reflective of what life can be like with agoraphobia. It’s definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far and I have been recommending it to everyone.
I received this book as part of a book tour, so a huge thanks to Hollie @noveltours and Charlotte and Magpie Books for having me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We start with Beatrice who, after a tragic incident last year, is now agoraphobic, unable to leave her house, even to just put the bins out or bring them in. For that, she relies on her elderly neighbour Piotr. He only other interactions are with "Marvin" the postman, "Piano Woman" from across the road and Matisse, her potty-mouthed parrot.
But things get to a head when Piotr has a fall and she is unable to even go out to help him. After he is taken to hospital, without him, she is also now unable to do the bins, incurring the wrath of Piano Woman and so, when Finn appears, touting for clients for his gardening business, she decides to employ him. Both to do the garden, which she can't even go out in, but also, more importantly, to do her bins!
As well as the ongoing connection Beatrice starts to form with Finn, we also go back in time, both to last spring and also to Beatrice's childhood. We see how her mother's influence shaped her, and is still her influence in the present. We also find out what happened last year to cause all her current anxiety and agoraphobia issues. As for her connection with Finn... well, that's for you to discover as the author intends.
I enjoyed If I Can't Have You, the author's debut, when I read it years ago. But I seem to have missed out on her follow up - If I Let You Go - which, after finishing this book I immediately reserved from the library! Like another of my favourite authors, she is great at writing what I call wounded characters. They come across as completely real and elicit loads of emotions and indeed emotional connections with me. I loved Beatrice as a character and, for reasons I can't expand on here due to spoilers, I felt for her and her situation every step of the way. I also loved Finn and his gentle manner. It's a character driven story and the characters do a great job of driving the narrative all the way through.
It's also a very balanced book. Yes there is a lot of darkness to be found in Beatrice's past but there is also a lot of light, some she can't see initially, but it is there waiting for her to be ready to welcome it. It's also quite funny at times. Matisse does add a few comedy moments!
All in all, a wonderful story , starring the best characters which culminates in a wholly satisfying ending. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
But things get to a head when Piotr has a fall and she is unable to even go out to help him. After he is taken to hospital, without him, she is also now unable to do the bins, incurring the wrath of Piano Woman and so, when Finn appears, touting for clients for his gardening business, she decides to employ him. Both to do the garden, which she can't even go out in, but also, more importantly, to do her bins!
As well as the ongoing connection Beatrice starts to form with Finn, we also go back in time, both to last spring and also to Beatrice's childhood. We see how her mother's influence shaped her, and is still her influence in the present. We also find out what happened last year to cause all her current anxiety and agoraphobia issues. As for her connection with Finn... well, that's for you to discover as the author intends.
I enjoyed If I Can't Have You, the author's debut, when I read it years ago. But I seem to have missed out on her follow up - If I Let You Go - which, after finishing this book I immediately reserved from the library! Like another of my favourite authors, she is great at writing what I call wounded characters. They come across as completely real and elicit loads of emotions and indeed emotional connections with me. I loved Beatrice as a character and, for reasons I can't expand on here due to spoilers, I felt for her and her situation every step of the way. I also loved Finn and his gentle manner. It's a character driven story and the characters do a great job of driving the narrative all the way through.
It's also a very balanced book. Yes there is a lot of darkness to be found in Beatrice's past but there is also a lot of light, some she can't see initially, but it is there waiting for her to be ready to welcome it. It's also quite funny at times. Matisse does add a few comedy moments!
All in all, a wonderful story , starring the best characters which culminates in a wholly satisfying ending. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 7, 2026
AD/PR🏷️ - readalong tour.
“Outside” follows the story of Beatrice, a 26 year old who has shut herself off from the world following a tragic accident. Beatrice was a rising actress who was following in her Maman’s footsteps straight into the starlight. Once quite the socialite , Beatrice now finds herself unable to even put her own bins out.
With only the brief interactions with her elderly neighbour, therapist, and Marvin (oops - Martin) the postman, Beatrice’s soul companion is Matisse - a foul-mouthed, head-bobbing, green parakeet.
Beatrice path ends up crossing with Finn’s, an Irish gardener who is determined to tackle and tame her Maman’s once prized garden. As Finn works on the garden, a connection forms between himself and Beatrice that might just be the push she needs.
Dealing with mental barriers, grief, and self rediscovery, the chapters flick between “past” Beatrice, and “present” Beatrice. I loved the contrast between the two and the background on what led Beatrice to become so reclusive. My favourite quote from the book was “It’s easy to find people to party with, but much harder to find those who’ll sit next to you in the dark”. From personal experience, I think that’s perfectly sums up the struggle of battling mental illnesses, whilst trying to keep relationships alive.
As someone who also suffers with severe anxiety, I adored how Outside managed to capture the daily battles and overthinking struggles. I feel like Charlotte’s own personal experiences with acrophobia and anxiety made this book so realistic and allowed the reader a deeper insight into the world of mental illness. I very much appreciated it not being an “omg I’ve met a sexy man and now I’m cured!” kinda book, and more about celebrating smaller victories and progress. That being said , it was so humorous! I can’t remember the last time I laughed and enjoyed a book as much as this one. I truly believe this’ll be a book that will stay in the forefront of my mind for many years. There’s so much I would love to deep dive into and ramble over about this book, but you truly need to experience it for yourself.
A huge thank you to Charlotte for allowing me to be apart of the readalong to showcase this phenomenal book. It truly is going to be one I recommend to anyone, and everyone.
Another big thank you to instabooktours for selecting me and sending me the book, prerelease.
“Outside” follows the story of Beatrice, a 26 year old who has shut herself off from the world following a tragic accident. Beatrice was a rising actress who was following in her Maman’s footsteps straight into the starlight. Once quite the socialite , Beatrice now finds herself unable to even put her own bins out.
With only the brief interactions with her elderly neighbour, therapist, and Marvin (oops - Martin) the postman, Beatrice’s soul companion is Matisse - a foul-mouthed, head-bobbing, green parakeet.
Beatrice path ends up crossing with Finn’s, an Irish gardener who is determined to tackle and tame her Maman’s once prized garden. As Finn works on the garden, a connection forms between himself and Beatrice that might just be the push she needs.
Dealing with mental barriers, grief, and self rediscovery, the chapters flick between “past” Beatrice, and “present” Beatrice. I loved the contrast between the two and the background on what led Beatrice to become so reclusive. My favourite quote from the book was “It’s easy to find people to party with, but much harder to find those who’ll sit next to you in the dark”. From personal experience, I think that’s perfectly sums up the struggle of battling mental illnesses, whilst trying to keep relationships alive.
As someone who also suffers with severe anxiety, I adored how Outside managed to capture the daily battles and overthinking struggles. I feel like Charlotte’s own personal experiences with acrophobia and anxiety made this book so realistic and allowed the reader a deeper insight into the world of mental illness. I very much appreciated it not being an “omg I’ve met a sexy man and now I’m cured!” kinda book, and more about celebrating smaller victories and progress. That being said , it was so humorous! I can’t remember the last time I laughed and enjoyed a book as much as this one. I truly believe this’ll be a book that will stay in the forefront of my mind for many years. There’s so much I would love to deep dive into and ramble over about this book, but you truly need to experience it for yourself.
A huge thank you to Charlotte for allowing me to be apart of the readalong to showcase this phenomenal book. It truly is going to be one I recommend to anyone, and everyone.
Another big thank you to instabooktours for selecting me and sending me the book, prerelease.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and OneWorld Publications for an advanced copy of this book.
From the opening pages, I knew I was going to enjoy Outside. Charlotte Levin’s writing is beautifully lyrical and deeply thoughtful- qualities I always hope to find and rarely do. I highlighted so many passages, including this one:
“The room drinks the sun as though it’s been dying of thirst, and she stands, straight, within the bright rectangle on the floor and blinks, adjusting her eyes to the glare. Particles of dust dance around her as though she were a maypole.”
The prose is gorgeous, but it is also balanced by wonderfully dry humour. Lines such as, “Better therapy then. I know a Chinese doctor who helped my sister-in-law’s depression, God rest her soul,” and, “She pours the milk first. That’s how tormented she is. She’s pouring the milk in first,” made me laugh while also revealing so much about the character of Bea.
This is a novel with heavy subject matter. Agoraphobia can be life-changing and can present in many different ways. Levin approaches the subject, which I later discovered is incredibly close to her heart, with sincerity, compassion, humour and honesty. For those looking in from the outside, it is an illness that can be difficult to understand. Yet the novel also conveys the sense that even the person experiencing it may not understand why their mind and body will not cooperate. Bea’s frustration, and her need to control the smallest details when the larger things feel impossible to control, come through powerfully.
Bea is an actress who has always lived comfortably in the shadow of her mother. When a life-changing event occurs, she retreats completely into herself. Physically and mentally trapped inside her home, she is too afraid, and unable, to go outside. Then she meets Finn. Could he be the person who helps her find a way back to herself?
I hope this book does really well. It has a great deal to say, but never feels self-indulgent or preachy. Instead, it is delicate, considered and quietly affecting. I came away with more than just a memorable story and beautiful writing; I also felt more informed and compassionate about the subject at its heart.
From the opening pages, I knew I was going to enjoy Outside. Charlotte Levin’s writing is beautifully lyrical and deeply thoughtful- qualities I always hope to find and rarely do. I highlighted so many passages, including this one:
“The room drinks the sun as though it’s been dying of thirst, and she stands, straight, within the bright rectangle on the floor and blinks, adjusting her eyes to the glare. Particles of dust dance around her as though she were a maypole.”
The prose is gorgeous, but it is also balanced by wonderfully dry humour. Lines such as, “Better therapy then. I know a Chinese doctor who helped my sister-in-law’s depression, God rest her soul,” and, “She pours the milk first. That’s how tormented she is. She’s pouring the milk in first,” made me laugh while also revealing so much about the character of Bea.
This is a novel with heavy subject matter. Agoraphobia can be life-changing and can present in many different ways. Levin approaches the subject, which I later discovered is incredibly close to her heart, with sincerity, compassion, humour and honesty. For those looking in from the outside, it is an illness that can be difficult to understand. Yet the novel also conveys the sense that even the person experiencing it may not understand why their mind and body will not cooperate. Bea’s frustration, and her need to control the smallest details when the larger things feel impossible to control, come through powerfully.
Bea is an actress who has always lived comfortably in the shadow of her mother. When a life-changing event occurs, she retreats completely into herself. Physically and mentally trapped inside her home, she is too afraid, and unable, to go outside. Then she meets Finn. Could he be the person who helps her find a way back to herself?
I hope this book does really well. It has a great deal to say, but never feels self-indulgent or preachy. Instead, it is delicate, considered and quietly affecting. I came away with more than just a memorable story and beautiful writing; I also felt more informed and compassionate about the subject at its heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘She presses her navel as if it were now an intercom and she’s awaiting a connection. Because for some, umbilical cords are like the phantom limbs of amputees. Though severed, they will always be felt’.
Following a tragic incident, actress Beatrice is struggling with social anxiety and agoraphobia. Having retreated from her life completely, including from her work, she finds herself unable to leave the house, relying on delivery services and an older neighbour to do her bins. Her only other companions are a foul-mouthed parakeet named Matisse and her soon to be ex-postman. She has had a lifetime of let downs and disappointment from the people she has loved the most and she has resigned to the idea that trust will always be broken.
But things take a turn for the better when she hires Irish Gardener, Finn, to tame her overgrown London garden. While their connection blossoms, she is no longer alone or isolated. But a life of restrictions can affect a relationship. Will theirs be able to survive her intense fears?
Following Bea’s past as well as her present life, this story is one of grief, loss and deteriorating mental health alongside complex relationships. Beatrice is a good protagonist, witty and relatable. The additional characters work really well within the story and it feels like a dysfunctional family set-up, with necessary dark humour that lightens difficult topics.
For me, this story is overly long and could have been trimmed down and still been a really good read. I loved the recovery process of her anxiety and the variable nature of this journey. The writing feels authentic, empathetic and brave. The metaphorical experience of living in one of the busiest cities in the world and feeling so isolated, claustrophobic and alone is also not lost on the reader.
A very different type of book from my normal go-to, this is my first Charlotte Levin book and I’m looking forward to reading more! I could also easily see this becoming a short series on a streaming site!
With thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher - Magpie Books - for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Following a tragic incident, actress Beatrice is struggling with social anxiety and agoraphobia. Having retreated from her life completely, including from her work, she finds herself unable to leave the house, relying on delivery services and an older neighbour to do her bins. Her only other companions are a foul-mouthed parakeet named Matisse and her soon to be ex-postman. She has had a lifetime of let downs and disappointment from the people she has loved the most and she has resigned to the idea that trust will always be broken.
But things take a turn for the better when she hires Irish Gardener, Finn, to tame her overgrown London garden. While their connection blossoms, she is no longer alone or isolated. But a life of restrictions can affect a relationship. Will theirs be able to survive her intense fears?
Following Bea’s past as well as her present life, this story is one of grief, loss and deteriorating mental health alongside complex relationships. Beatrice is a good protagonist, witty and relatable. The additional characters work really well within the story and it feels like a dysfunctional family set-up, with necessary dark humour that lightens difficult topics.
For me, this story is overly long and could have been trimmed down and still been a really good read. I loved the recovery process of her anxiety and the variable nature of this journey. The writing feels authentic, empathetic and brave. The metaphorical experience of living in one of the busiest cities in the world and feeling so isolated, claustrophobic and alone is also not lost on the reader.
A very different type of book from my normal go-to, this is my first Charlotte Levin book and I’m looking forward to reading more! I could also easily see this becoming a short series on a streaming site!
With thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher - Magpie Books - for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book I’ve read by this author Charlotte Levin. I’ve always wanted to read her other two books but never quite got round to it. I think I’ve probably followed her on social media since before even her first book was published. I have vague recollections of her posts during the pandemic and despite her struggles she always came across as a bubbly, funny person. So when I saw she had a new book out, and I read the description I grabbed the chance to finally read one of her books.
It’s such a good book, more so because I suspected it must be based on her own experience of agoraphobia and though all the characters are fictional, it gives huge insight into the condition, though as she points out in her author’s note at the end of the book, everyone’s experience is different.
The story goes back and forth in time through the book as we follow Beatrice as she is now, in the present, unable to leave her flat and relying on her elderly neighbour to help her out in any way he could. She also has Matisse, her parakeet to keep her company, something permanent in her life, something to care for.
Going back to the past in various chapters we learn of her increasing anxiety, trying to come to terms with grief, an unfaithful boyfriend and realising she was hanging on to the career she’d always dreamed of by the skin of her teeth.
It’s funny, emotional, very insightful and completely heart breaking at times. A wonderful, enjoyable read, and whilst it entertains, it also informs, giving readers a better understanding of anxiety and as Charlotte puts it in her notes “a fear of fear”.
Although as I understand, this book is perhaps a little different from her other two books, I enjoyed her writing style and will definitely find the time to read those other two books sooner rather than later.
It’s such a good book, more so because I suspected it must be based on her own experience of agoraphobia and though all the characters are fictional, it gives huge insight into the condition, though as she points out in her author’s note at the end of the book, everyone’s experience is different.
The story goes back and forth in time through the book as we follow Beatrice as she is now, in the present, unable to leave her flat and relying on her elderly neighbour to help her out in any way he could. She also has Matisse, her parakeet to keep her company, something permanent in her life, something to care for.
Going back to the past in various chapters we learn of her increasing anxiety, trying to come to terms with grief, an unfaithful boyfriend and realising she was hanging on to the career she’d always dreamed of by the skin of her teeth.
It’s funny, emotional, very insightful and completely heart breaking at times. A wonderful, enjoyable read, and whilst it entertains, it also informs, giving readers a better understanding of anxiety and as Charlotte puts it in her notes “a fear of fear”.
Although as I understand, this book is perhaps a little different from her other two books, I enjoyed her writing style and will definitely find the time to read those other two books sooner rather than later.
August 12, 2026
This is an unusual concept for a story, and one that I must admit I haven't come across before, also, it is my first book by Charlotte Levin.
"One day she will get better, one day she will leave the house". Beatrice lives in a large house, a house that was her mothers, a house that is her prison, the only things that she now has in her life are her mother's dying pot plant that she doesn't know what to do with, kindly old Mr Klimowski who sorts her dustbins, Martin, or is it Marvin the postman, bitchy piano lady and glamorous woman, all of them are outside and Beatrice is trapped inside.
Beatrice was an inspiring actress, following in her famous, much lauded mother, a mother who lived life to the full, a mother who Beatrice adored..............a mother who died.
Beatrice never recovered from her mother's death, her mother's house was her refuge, a house where she felt safe, the house where she didn't have to face the world, the house where she didn't have to face her ex and her best friend who had betrayed her.
Enter Irish charmer Finn Ryan, Finn was a gardener who could see the potential in Marianne Hubert's once beautiful garden, he could restore it, but did Beatrice want anyone so close. albeit a ruggedly handsome gardener.
As this story unfolds, Beatrice and Finn become close. his patience and understanding is heart-warming, he is convinced that he can help Beatrice face her fear but the fear is deep seated and Finn is torn, does he follow his heart and leave the busy, noisy city and return to the peace and quiet of his beloved Ireland and the family that he loves.
This is a beautiful story, it has heartbreak, compassion, and it also has wit, the author has addressed the emotive subject of agoraphobia with sympathy.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary
"One day she will get better, one day she will leave the house". Beatrice lives in a large house, a house that was her mothers, a house that is her prison, the only things that she now has in her life are her mother's dying pot plant that she doesn't know what to do with, kindly old Mr Klimowski who sorts her dustbins, Martin, or is it Marvin the postman, bitchy piano lady and glamorous woman, all of them are outside and Beatrice is trapped inside.
Beatrice was an inspiring actress, following in her famous, much lauded mother, a mother who lived life to the full, a mother who Beatrice adored..............a mother who died.
Beatrice never recovered from her mother's death, her mother's house was her refuge, a house where she felt safe, the house where she didn't have to face the world, the house where she didn't have to face her ex and her best friend who had betrayed her.
Enter Irish charmer Finn Ryan, Finn was a gardener who could see the potential in Marianne Hubert's once beautiful garden, he could restore it, but did Beatrice want anyone so close. albeit a ruggedly handsome gardener.
As this story unfolds, Beatrice and Finn become close. his patience and understanding is heart-warming, he is convinced that he can help Beatrice face her fear but the fear is deep seated and Finn is torn, does he follow his heart and leave the busy, noisy city and return to the peace and quiet of his beloved Ireland and the family that he loves.
This is a beautiful story, it has heartbreak, compassion, and it also has wit, the author has addressed the emotive subject of agoraphobia with sympathy.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary
August 6, 2026
4.5 stars.
Beatrice is at home. It’s actually been a while since Beatrice left home. Her acting career has fallen by the wayside (an agoraphobic actor was always going to be a tough hurdle to overcome) and her social life is non-existent. Beatrice only has her elderly neighbour Mr Klimowski, her therapist Dr Reynolds & Matisse, her potty mouthed parakeet, to talk to these days. Is it really enough?
But then salvation arrives in the form of a local gardener called Finn. Beatrice originally hires him just so she’ll have someone to put her bins out, but as the weeks go by, a connection forms and a little bit of light re-enters her life.
The story flips back and forth between the past and the present and focuses quite deeply on Beatrice’s relationship with her mum. I found this a wonderful contrast between the burgeoning romance between her and Finn.
Outside explores the overwhelming intensity and fear of anxiety and if you’ve ever suffered from any form of it before I think you’ll agree that the author has absolutely nailed it here. I also really appreciated her note at the end, which gave the novel a personal touch and for me, made the story extra special.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, Charlotte Levin is a force to be reckoned with. Her writing is exquisite, her character and plot development superb, she fluctuates perfectly between emotion and humour and, as this book shows, she’s at the top of her game.
I’m nearly done but my final thoughts have to be about my favourite character in the book - Matisse. I didn’t think it would be possible to fall in love with a fictional parakeet, but what do you know, I did. Hook, line and sinker. 💘
Yes that’s right, I said sinker, Matisse, not w*nker! 🤭
Beatrice is at home. It’s actually been a while since Beatrice left home. Her acting career has fallen by the wayside (an agoraphobic actor was always going to be a tough hurdle to overcome) and her social life is non-existent. Beatrice only has her elderly neighbour Mr Klimowski, her therapist Dr Reynolds & Matisse, her potty mouthed parakeet, to talk to these days. Is it really enough?
But then salvation arrives in the form of a local gardener called Finn. Beatrice originally hires him just so she’ll have someone to put her bins out, but as the weeks go by, a connection forms and a little bit of light re-enters her life.
The story flips back and forth between the past and the present and focuses quite deeply on Beatrice’s relationship with her mum. I found this a wonderful contrast between the burgeoning romance between her and Finn.
Outside explores the overwhelming intensity and fear of anxiety and if you’ve ever suffered from any form of it before I think you’ll agree that the author has absolutely nailed it here. I also really appreciated her note at the end, which gave the novel a personal touch and for me, made the story extra special.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, Charlotte Levin is a force to be reckoned with. Her writing is exquisite, her character and plot development superb, she fluctuates perfectly between emotion and humour and, as this book shows, she’s at the top of her game.
I’m nearly done but my final thoughts have to be about my favourite character in the book - Matisse. I didn’t think it would be possible to fall in love with a fictional parakeet, but what do you know, I did. Hook, line and sinker. 💘
Yes that’s right, I said sinker, Matisse, not w*nker! 🤭
August 22, 2026
Absolutely loved this!
Such wonderful writing, totally drew me into the story and I was within a few chapters totally invested in Beatrice's story.
The timeline jumps to earlier in her life when she was a child and in the lead up to her mother's death gave great insight into how Beatrice became the person she was and also how the agoraphobia was a gradual transition to where we find Beatrice in the "Now" time period. Some of what Beatrice was experiencing rang true for me personally (the anxiety & in particular the physical symptoms that often come with it), as the author is writing from very personal experience, the writing made Beatrice feel very real, especially the non-sugar coated/not quite perfect Hallmark movie ending that left Beatrice at still a positive but "Work in progress" point in her life.
I loved how the sub plot of Beatrice's father was done, as the reader has some of the backstory from Marianne's (mum) perspective, I had worked out the truth before Beatrice did, it was good to see how the author got Beatrice to the discovery point.
The character of Finn was well done and after reading the authors notes at the back I am glad she changed him to a gardener as I feel the initial occupation would have been harder to have him hanging round for the relationship to develop.
What can I say about Matisse the Parakeet other than I absolutely loved him, I think he sometimes brought a little comic interlude to serious emotional moments with his sweary outbursts. Bonus points for Matisse as a character, I may have to listen to the audiobook in the future to hear how he is portrayed.
This was a superb, often emotional read and I think it will stay with me for a while. Looking forward to the next book by the author.
Such wonderful writing, totally drew me into the story and I was within a few chapters totally invested in Beatrice's story.
The timeline jumps to earlier in her life when she was a child and in the lead up to her mother's death gave great insight into how Beatrice became the person she was and also how the agoraphobia was a gradual transition to where we find Beatrice in the "Now" time period. Some of what Beatrice was experiencing rang true for me personally (the anxiety & in particular the physical symptoms that often come with it), as the author is writing from very personal experience, the writing made Beatrice feel very real, especially the non-sugar coated/not quite perfect Hallmark movie ending that left Beatrice at still a positive but "Work in progress" point in her life.
I loved how the sub plot of Beatrice's father was done, as the reader has some of the backstory from Marianne's (mum) perspective, I had worked out the truth before Beatrice did, it was good to see how the author got Beatrice to the discovery point.
The character of Finn was well done and after reading the authors notes at the back I am glad she changed him to a gardener as I feel the initial occupation would have been harder to have him hanging round for the relationship to develop.
What can I say about Matisse the Parakeet other than I absolutely loved him, I think he sometimes brought a little comic interlude to serious emotional moments with his sweary outbursts. Bonus points for Matisse as a character, I may have to listen to the audiobook in the future to hear how he is portrayed.
This was a superb, often emotional read and I think it will stay with me for a while. Looking forward to the next book by the author.
July 9, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Net Galley
I’ve adored Charlotte Levin’s previous books so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one!
The story follows Beatrice, an actress who develops agoraphobia after a devastating loss. We get her story through three timelines – "Previously", "Recently" and "Now" – and I absolutely loved how everything slowly came together. Every time I thought I understood Beatrice, another piece of her past was revealed that made me see her differently.
Beatrice isn't always an easy character to like because of how dependent she is on the people around her, but after everything she'd been through, her attachment issues made complete sense. I found myself really rooting for her, especially as she started to build new friendships and relationships and took tiny steps towards getting her life back. I also appreciated that her recovery wasn't rushed or made to seem easy. It felt realistic, and those small victories felt just as important as the big ones.
I also really enjoyed how this book explored grief and mental health. It didn't shy away from how messy and complicated both can be, but it also never felt hopeless.
The author's note at the end was the perfect way to finish the book. Finding out that Charlotte Levin has experienced agoraphobia herself and wrote this story to raise awareness made Beatrice's journey feel even more authentic.
This was a brilliant character-driven read with complex relationships, family secrets, grief, hope and a really honest portrayal of agoraphobia. If you enjoy books that focus on people rather than plot, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
I’ve adored Charlotte Levin’s previous books so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one!
The story follows Beatrice, an actress who develops agoraphobia after a devastating loss. We get her story through three timelines – "Previously", "Recently" and "Now" – and I absolutely loved how everything slowly came together. Every time I thought I understood Beatrice, another piece of her past was revealed that made me see her differently.
Beatrice isn't always an easy character to like because of how dependent she is on the people around her, but after everything she'd been through, her attachment issues made complete sense. I found myself really rooting for her, especially as she started to build new friendships and relationships and took tiny steps towards getting her life back. I also appreciated that her recovery wasn't rushed or made to seem easy. It felt realistic, and those small victories felt just as important as the big ones.
I also really enjoyed how this book explored grief and mental health. It didn't shy away from how messy and complicated both can be, but it also never felt hopeless.
The author's note at the end was the perfect way to finish the book. Finding out that Charlotte Levin has experienced agoraphobia herself and wrote this story to raise awareness made Beatrice's journey feel even more authentic.
This was a brilliant character-driven read with complex relationships, family secrets, grief, hope and a really honest portrayal of agoraphobia. If you enjoy books that focus on people rather than plot, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
August 7, 2026
The last time I dared to read a book by Charlotte Levin, I had to explain to my husband why I was crying at 2pm on a random weekday about fictional characters. So why not, let’s jump back on that rollercoaster.
Beatrice is a former star in the making, now isolated, wracked with fear to even leave her house after an tragedy. She was immediately open, heart on the page, even if she keeps the details close for a while. Between a then-vs-now perspective, we watch her previous life of glamour and wrap parties, before falling back into the now where she has fallen apart. She was so relatable, painfully frightened and traumatised even though she so desperately tried to get better.
When she hires Finn to manage the jungle of her garden, their relationship was a tender, slow burning thawing of people scared to connect, building so naturally from passing comments to something worth fighting for. It’s a moving, impactful examination of the devastating wake of grief, about the crippling inner battles of mental distress, and it handles anxiety and agoraphobia so wonderfully, remaining so unflinchingly honest and authentic, injecting that little bit of hope but never pretending there’s some miraculous recovery.
Even with most of the book being set inside one house, it’s the feelings and the people that really drive it forward — the literary definition of baby steps but without feeling too slow or repetitive which is an achievement in itself.
This was quite simply beautiful.
Beatrice is a former star in the making, now isolated, wracked with fear to even leave her house after an tragedy. She was immediately open, heart on the page, even if she keeps the details close for a while. Between a then-vs-now perspective, we watch her previous life of glamour and wrap parties, before falling back into the now where she has fallen apart. She was so relatable, painfully frightened and traumatised even though she so desperately tried to get better.
When she hires Finn to manage the jungle of her garden, their relationship was a tender, slow burning thawing of people scared to connect, building so naturally from passing comments to something worth fighting for. It’s a moving, impactful examination of the devastating wake of grief, about the crippling inner battles of mental distress, and it handles anxiety and agoraphobia so wonderfully, remaining so unflinchingly honest and authentic, injecting that little bit of hope but never pretending there’s some miraculous recovery.
Even with most of the book being set inside one house, it’s the feelings and the people that really drive it forward — the literary definition of baby steps but without feeling too slow or repetitive which is an achievement in itself.
This was quite simply beautiful.
June 12, 2026
Thank you to one world publications for sending me an early copy of Outside by Charlotte Levin.
I took this one on holiday with me and ended up reading it on the beach over two days. It was one of those books that you just think ‘one more chapter’.
The story follows Beatrice, an actress whose career is on the verge of taking off but after a tragedy, her anxiety becomes so overwhelming that she can’t leave her house.
My favourite part was the way the story unfolded across different timelines as I’m a sucker for jumps back & forth. Alongside present day Beatrice, we get to see her life a year earlier with how she got there, as well as flashbacks to her childhood and her relationship with her famous momma.
I gave this ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars
I absolutely flew through this one. I loved the themes of grief, anxiety and identity & also the humour throughout.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was that I wanted a little bit more from the ending. I became so invested in the characters and their relationships that I would happily have read a few extra chapters to see where things really went and how new relationships introduced very late in the book developed.
Overall, this was such an engaging and emotional read, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character driven contemporary fiction, complicated family dynamics, personal growth stories and books by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Coco Mellors.
Outside publishes on 6th August 2026
I took this one on holiday with me and ended up reading it on the beach over two days. It was one of those books that you just think ‘one more chapter’.
The story follows Beatrice, an actress whose career is on the verge of taking off but after a tragedy, her anxiety becomes so overwhelming that she can’t leave her house.
My favourite part was the way the story unfolded across different timelines as I’m a sucker for jumps back & forth. Alongside present day Beatrice, we get to see her life a year earlier with how she got there, as well as flashbacks to her childhood and her relationship with her famous momma.
I gave this ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars
I absolutely flew through this one. I loved the themes of grief, anxiety and identity & also the humour throughout.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was that I wanted a little bit more from the ending. I became so invested in the characters and their relationships that I would happily have read a few extra chapters to see where things really went and how new relationships introduced very late in the book developed.
Overall, this was such an engaging and emotional read, and I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character driven contemporary fiction, complicated family dynamics, personal growth stories and books by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Coco Mellors.
Outside publishes on 6th August 2026
Did Not Finish
September 7, 2026I DNF'd this book at around 52%. It was supposed to be an interesting take on grief, but instead, it felt like a lot of repetitive whining.
The narrative is divided into 'before' and 'after' the death of the protagonist's mother. Her life has changed drastically since then—specifically, she hasn’t left the house. A year passes between the 'before' and 'now,' and for her, every single day of that year was the same. You would think that once the story begins, something would start to change. While I can’t say everything remains completely stagnant, the shifts are so minuscule that, as a reader, you don't feel any satisfying payoff.
I feel like the author tried to mimic real life a bit too closely. Ultimately, a highly realistic scenario didn’t translate well into a compelling novel. The book should have been more stylized rather than spending so much time on repetitive struggles. While real people do dwell on the same questions for ages, when a fictional character does so without any growth, it quickly becomes tedious.
Even if there is a more significant shift by the end, I should have been able to connect with the protagonist by the halfway mark. I don't think the book is badly written or even boring; I just believe that a character-driven story needs a much clearer grasp of its character arc.
The narrative is divided into 'before' and 'after' the death of the protagonist's mother. Her life has changed drastically since then—specifically, she hasn’t left the house. A year passes between the 'before' and 'now,' and for her, every single day of that year was the same. You would think that once the story begins, something would start to change. While I can’t say everything remains completely stagnant, the shifts are so minuscule that, as a reader, you don't feel any satisfying payoff.
I feel like the author tried to mimic real life a bit too closely. Ultimately, a highly realistic scenario didn’t translate well into a compelling novel. The book should have been more stylized rather than spending so much time on repetitive struggles. While real people do dwell on the same questions for ages, when a fictional character does so without any growth, it quickly becomes tedious.
Even if there is a more significant shift by the end, I should have been able to connect with the protagonist by the halfway mark. I don't think the book is badly written or even boring; I just believe that a character-driven story needs a much clearer grasp of its character arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
★★★
gifted — paperback proof 💥
this was an interesting and intimate read, just unfortunately 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 wasn’t my cup of tea. however, plenty of four-star reviews on goodreads shows that a lot of people are loving this & it’s just my personal taste ✨
𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭: after a tragic accident, bea finds herself unable to leave her house. retreating from her friends, her lover, & a hugely successful acting career, her beloved home become her source of stability. along with her parakeet, matisse. when irish gardener finn comes along, and feelings start to develop, she wonders what could become of her life outside the safety of those four walls.
I struggled to connect with bea, but I really enjoyed the novel’s concept and was impressed by the details pulled from the authors personal lived experience with agoraphobia.
bea’s sense of dread and anxiety throughout the novel was palpable and you can really picture the environment which charlotte builds for bea; creating a house that provides emotional comfort and stability for a person going through post-traumatic stress 🏡
read if you like:
🌻 novels about mental health
🌻 books set in london
🌻 authentic writing based on lived experiences
thank you Oneworld Publications for the proof copy! 🚀
gifted — paperback proof 💥
this was an interesting and intimate read, just unfortunately 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 wasn’t my cup of tea. however, plenty of four-star reviews on goodreads shows that a lot of people are loving this & it’s just my personal taste ✨
𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭: after a tragic accident, bea finds herself unable to leave her house. retreating from her friends, her lover, & a hugely successful acting career, her beloved home become her source of stability. along with her parakeet, matisse. when irish gardener finn comes along, and feelings start to develop, she wonders what could become of her life outside the safety of those four walls.
I struggled to connect with bea, but I really enjoyed the novel’s concept and was impressed by the details pulled from the authors personal lived experience with agoraphobia.
bea’s sense of dread and anxiety throughout the novel was palpable and you can really picture the environment which charlotte builds for bea; creating a house that provides emotional comfort and stability for a person going through post-traumatic stress 🏡
read if you like:
🌻 novels about mental health
🌻 books set in london
🌻 authentic writing based on lived experiences
thank you Oneworld Publications for the proof copy! 🚀
August 6, 2026
Beatrice is a young woman who is just starting a promising career as an actress. But a tragic accident causes Bea to have a major mental health crisis and she finds that she can no longer leave her home. Throughout the course of the book, we switch between now and the past and we find out more about Bea’s background, her family and friends and the events that lead her to the “now.” With a life that is limited to her home, her downstairs lodger, her postman and her pet parakeet, Bea is worried that she’ll never get back to “normal.” With the help of her therapist and Finn, a gardener who she employs, there are signs that she can make baby steps to improve. But various events along the way challenge Bea and you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens!
I really enjoyed this book. Considering the subject matter, it is really funny, darkly at times. The story feels well paced and Bea is particularly relatable, but I enjoyed lots of the other characters too. And it’s such an important topic to discuss - I hugely admire the author for writing about something which she has experienced in her own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Considering the subject matter, it is really funny, darkly at times. The story feels well paced and Bea is particularly relatable, but I enjoyed lots of the other characters too. And it’s such an important topic to discuss - I hugely admire the author for writing about something which she has experienced in her own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book and characters are so real. Beatrice suffers from agoraphobia, and as we read her backstory, we gradually learn why. She is a trusting soul who has been let down by the people she loves. Trust is fragile and easily broken. Once lost it is hard to regain, so Beatrice turns inwards. But as an actor, that cannot be sustained. Gradually, with help of the unlikely pairing of a bird and a gardener, she begins to feel her way. Finn and Mattisse become not just the key, but the glue to her very gradual piecing together of her life.
Living in the shadow of a famous mother, and not knowing the identity of her father means that Beatrice appears full of insecurities. We travel with her through the ups and downs of her everyday life, where even putting rubbish in the bin is excruciatingly difficult, watching as she gradually blossoms into the 'real Beatrice'
As anyone who has ever suffered any kind of social anxiety knows, this is not an easy journey.
Not an easy read, but very interesting and well written.
With thanks to Charlotte Levin, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Living in the shadow of a famous mother, and not knowing the identity of her father means that Beatrice appears full of insecurities. We travel with her through the ups and downs of her everyday life, where even putting rubbish in the bin is excruciatingly difficult, watching as she gradually blossoms into the 'real Beatrice'
As anyone who has ever suffered any kind of social anxiety knows, this is not an easy journey.
Not an easy read, but very interesting and well written.
With thanks to Charlotte Levin, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2026
I first came across Charlotte Levin's books when I took part in one of my first readalongs for her debut novel If I Can't Have You. I loved it and her latest book, Outside, out next week, reminded me just why I love her writing. Heartfelt, touching and with much to say - but with a deft touch of humour that ensures it never becomes too much.
Up and coming actress Beatrice develops agoraphobia following the death of her mother. Her relationship with her mother was always complicated - and not entirely truthful. Can the love of a genuinely good guy save her?
It's a heartfelt exploration of what anxiety and trauma can really do to you - at times Beatrice comes across as self-absorbed yet it is hard not to warm to her as you go back and understand how she has got to this point. At times I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a big hug.
When you read the author's note you realise how much this book comes from the author's own experience - and there is no doubt this comes across. It is not always an easy read but with just enough humour - and a foul mouthed parakeet - it never feels overwhelming, and there is a satisfyingly hopeful ending.
Up and coming actress Beatrice develops agoraphobia following the death of her mother. Her relationship with her mother was always complicated - and not entirely truthful. Can the love of a genuinely good guy save her?
It's a heartfelt exploration of what anxiety and trauma can really do to you - at times Beatrice comes across as self-absorbed yet it is hard not to warm to her as you go back and understand how she has got to this point. At times I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a big hug.
When you read the author's note you realise how much this book comes from the author's own experience - and there is no doubt this comes across. It is not always an easy read but with just enough humour - and a foul mouthed parakeet - it never feels overwhelming, and there is a satisfyingly hopeful ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow..
It seems weird to say you love a book when the subject matter is one that causes a lot of pain and grief for the person and their loved ones but this book deserves all the accolades. It would make for a powerful film or series and while I was reading it, it was being played out as a film in my head.
Charlotte Levin is an outstanding and gifted writer. Despite the subject matter, she finds time and the space to inject her humour and wit in this very human and emotional novel. She is wickedly funny and I laughed out loud many times throughout the book.
Charlotte wrote this book because she wanted to raise awareness of what it is like to have and live with agoraphobia. I think this book is a masterpiece and a triumph. I was rooting for Beatrice all the way through and lived through every single bit of joy and pain.. I loved the banter and the relationship she had with Finn.
This book deserves a wide audience. It's more than good. If I could give it ten stars I would.
It seems weird to say you love a book when the subject matter is one that causes a lot of pain and grief for the person and their loved ones but this book deserves all the accolades. It would make for a powerful film or series and while I was reading it, it was being played out as a film in my head.
Charlotte Levin is an outstanding and gifted writer. Despite the subject matter, she finds time and the space to inject her humour and wit in this very human and emotional novel. She is wickedly funny and I laughed out loud many times throughout the book.
Charlotte wrote this book because she wanted to raise awareness of what it is like to have and live with agoraphobia. I think this book is a masterpiece and a triumph. I was rooting for Beatrice all the way through and lived through every single bit of joy and pain.. I loved the banter and the relationship she had with Finn.
This book deserves a wide audience. It's more than good. If I could give it ten stars I would.
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