A raw, relatable call-to-arms account of motherhood, breaking the silence on postnatal depression

The raw, relatable call-to-arms memoir, breaking the silence on postnatal depression - from the bestselling author of Animals and Adults An Unmissable Memoir for Summer, Stylist A Hot Summer Book, Refinery29 'I am so grateful for this beautiful, honest book. It has helped me immeasurably' Pandora Sykes 'I loved it' Amy Liptrot 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. 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. 'Hilarious, heart-breaking and wise' Leah Hazard, midwife and author

"A compulsive read, one that any mother will recognise parts of herself within, even if she has not, like Unsworth, experienced brutal PND" - Irish Independent

"Postnatal depression is not supposed to make you laugh but brutal honesty and dazzling humour are part of Emma Jane Unsworth's award-winning literary arsenal ... Her first foray into non-fiction is a brave and compelling part memoir, part manifesto ... Within 140-pages Emma has wrung herself out, taken us to the darkest corners of her mind and made us laugh at the sheer madness of new motherhood" - Marie Claire

"Dazzling ... skewers the injustices and quirks of maternity, from how women are treated as public property from the minute they conceive to the absurdity of "rock 'n' roll Baby Sensory" classes. But its emotional directness is what bowls you over the most" - The i

"Refreshing, brave and often funny ... This is a true celebration of survival" - Woman's Own

"Funny and perceptive ... Oh, what a book ... Articulately capturing the sense of despair, exhaustion and disappointment brought on by motherhood even when you love the child you've created, [this book] delves deeper into what happens to women's bodies and brains - as well as the physical scars and huge emotions - with humour and scientific insight" - Stylist

"A call to arms to centre the mental health of new mothers and push back against the taboos that force so many to feel they must suffer in silence" - Refinery29