My huge thanks to Jo Bennet at Oneworld for sending me a copy of Charlotte Levin’s latest book, Outside, in return for an honest review. It’s my pleasure to share my review of Outside today.

Outside was published by Oneworld imprint Magpie on 6th August 2026 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here. 

Outside

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?

My Review of Outside 

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. 

About Charlotte Levin 

Charlotte Levin is the bestselling author of If I Can’t Have You and Richard & Judy Book Club pick, If I Let You Go – 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 has written for publications, including The Observer and Marie Claire.

Charlotte lives in Manchester with her cats Opal Moon, Leonard, and Walter.

For further information, visit Charlotte’s website and find her on X @tinycharlotte72, Instagram, Bluesky and Facebook.