After the Storm: Postnatal Depression and the Utter Weirdness of New Motherhood

Description

An Unmissable Memoir for Summer 2021, Stylist A Hot Summer Book, Refinery29 'I am so grateful for this beautiful, honest book. It has helped me immeasurably' - Pandora Sykes 'I loved this book' - Clover Stroud 'Totally relatable ... had me laughing and crying in equal measures' - Christie Watson Six months after the birth of her son, Emma Jane Unsworth finds herself in the eye of a storm. Nothing - from pregnancy to birth and beyond - has gone as she expected. A birth plan? It might as well have been a rough draft! Furious and exhausted, her life is the complete opposite of what it used to be. She's swapped all night benders for grazed labia and Whac-a-Moling haemorrhoids. How did she end up here? In this brave, vital account of postnatal depression, Emma tells her story of despair and recovery. She tackles the biggest taboos around motherhood and mental health, from botched stitches and bleeding nipples to anger and shame. How does pregnancy adapt our brains? Is postnatal depression a natural reaction to the trauma of modern motherhood? And are people's attitudes finally changing? After the Storm is a celebration of survival, holding out a hand to women everywhere. 'This book will make new mums feel accompanied, which is the most sacred thing' - Jenn Ashworth 'Hilarious, heart-breaking and wise' - Leah Hazard, midwife and author 'Truth and power and lots of LOLs too. I loved it' - Amy Liptrot 'A brave and compelling part memoir, part manifesto' - Marie Claire

Emma Jane Unsworth is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her first novel, Animals, now a major motion picture, for which Unsworth wrote the screenplay. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2019. She also writes for television and various magazines. Her latest novel, Adults, has been heralded 'hilarious' (Dolly Alderton), 'tender' (Jessie Burton) and 'dazzling' (Marian Keyes) and is a Sunday Times bestseller.

'A beautifully-written, raw - and totally relatable - account of new motherhood that had me laughing and crying in equal measures. Emma Jane Unsworth is the real deal' - CHRISTIE WATSON 'This is a brave and important work. Unsworth is unflinchingly honest about her experiences, and her beautiful, hilarious, clever writing elevates her story into something universal ... I loved this book' - CLOVER STROUD 'Puts into language an experience almost impossible to describe; I am so grateful for this beautiful, honest book. It has helped me immeasurably' - PANDORA SYKES 'An excellent book. Truth and power and lots of LOLs too. I loved it. Emma Jane Unsworth is a wonder' - AMY LIPTROT 'This book is truly brilliant. Packed with intense bursts of knowledge, understanding and humour. Unsworth's style is so direct and approachable, this book is the best company for anyone going through the loneliness and isolation of new motherhood. This book will make new mums feel accompanied, which is the most sacred thing' - JENN ASHWORTH