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After the Storm

Postnatal Depression and the Utter Weirdness of New Motherhood
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( 512 ratings, 45 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
After the Storm by Emma Jane Unsworth delves into the emotional and psychological journey of a new mother navigating the complexities of parenthood. Through candid and often humorous reflections, the author explores themes of identity, mental health, and the transformative challenges faced by mothers. This book offers insight into the raw and relatable experiences in the early stages of family life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy heartfelt and candid explorations of parenthood, especially those tackling the emotional complexities that come after childbirth. Emma Jane Unsworth offers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of new parenthood, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the personal journey of becoming a parent.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The raw, relatable call-to-arms memoir, breaking the silence on postnatal depression - from the bestselling author of Animals and Adults.

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Emma Jane Unsworth's After the Storm is praised for its raw and relatable exploration of new motherhood. Reviewers describe it as beautifully written, blending humour and emotion, while Unsworth's honest and clever writing captures universal experiences. The book offers support and companionship to new mothers, helping them navigate loneliness and isolation with its direct and approachable style.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788166553

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wellcome Collection

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 130g

Pages: 160

About the Author

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.

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  • Slags
    FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ADULTS AND ANIMALS 'Compulsive and hilarious, like a brilliant gossip with your best friend. Emma Jane Unsworth is my favourite' – Sara Pascoe 'Her best yet – funny, gritty, delightfully feral and, as ever, painfully truthful' – Dolly Alderton ‘An amazing writer’ – Margot Robbie Once a slag, always a slag? It’s the...
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  • Pre-order
    Slags
    From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Adults and Animals 'Compulsive and hilarious, like a brilliant gossip with your best friend. Emma Jane Unsworth is my favourite' — Sara Pascoe 'Her best yet – funny, gritty, delightfully feral and, as ever, painfully truthful' — Dolly Alderton 'An amazing writer' — Margot Robbie Once a slag, always a slag? It’s the...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Pre-order
    Out 1 Sep 2026
  • Adults
    THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘AN AMAZING WRITER’ Margot Robbie* ‘HILARIOUS’ Stylist ‘DAZZLING’ Marian Keyes ‘WITTY’ Guardian ‘HEARTBREAKING’ Dolly Alderton ‘INCREDIBLE’ Candice Carty-Williams Jenny McLaine: can’t afford her mortgage since her ex moved out is about to get dumped by her best friend spends all day online-stalking women with picture-perfect lives And now her mother has appeared on her doorstep, unbidden,...
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