A compelling debut novel exploring postpartum depressionfor readers of suspenseful womens fiction and fans of Lionel Shrivers We Need to Talk About Kevin.They say motherhood changes you.As a driven advertising executive, Lara James has always put her career before any plans for a family, preferring professional chic to stay-at-home style. But after her fathers death, she realizes shes ready. More than ready, in fact. Yet pregnancysomething other women seem to accomplish effortlessly, even accidentallydoesnt come easily to Lara. What began as an adventure quickly becomes a nightmare as she and her husband endure endless IVF treatments, hormone therapy, and devastating miscarriages.When Lara at last becomes pregnant and gives birth to a daughter, Auden, she believes their determination has paid off. But Auden cries day and night, ear-shattering screams that strip Lara of her nerves and energy. Her life as a sleep-deprived new mother is unrelenting, and, guiltily, Lara cant help but mourn for what she once had. With her marriage crumbling, Lara is increasingly driven to alarming thoughts and destructive actions she would never have imagined possible before now. Hanging on by a thread, its only in her darkest moment that Lara will discover the true depths of her love and devotionand what shes willing to face for the family shes so desperately sought.At times disturbing, The Unprotected is a bold, unflinching novel for anyone whos ever wanted childrenand wondered what they might have to sacrifice along the way.