End of Miracles: A Novel

2016 International Book Awards Finalist in Literary Fiction

Written by a psychiatrist, this gripping novel explores the boundaries between sanity and delusion.

Margo Kerber is a wife, friend, volunteer, career woman, and wants nothing more than to become a mother. After struggling with infertility, she finds herself pregnant. But the premature delivery of her baby, who survives only a few hours, brings more than a wish-fulfilling fantasy to relieve her from her grief. When reality inevitably shatters back into focus, she unravels into a deep depression. As doctors work to clarify her exact diagnosis and the best options for treatment, Margo fears that the sometimes-turbulent psychiatric unit environment is harming her rather than helping. Margo flees, and is led into a chance encounter that sparks another self-deception, impelling her to impulsively commit a shocking act with harrowing consequences for herself and others.

Vividly and empathetically written, this novel provides readers the experience of closely observing a woman’s inner and outer worlds. Informative, as well as moving, it explores the deep drive for motherhood, the impact of infertility, and the experience of postpartum mental illness. The End of Miracles is emotionally intense, morally complex, and thoroughly suspenseful.