This week I received a review copy of a new novel published by Random House whose protagonist, Eve, becomes increasingly mired in postpartum depression (PPD).

The novel is Parallel Play by Thomas Rayfiel, Brooklyn father of two. And I'm adding it to my reading list. Will be interesting to see how the subject matter is handled, and I look forward to reviewing the book on this blog. Your comments are welcome, too!

I was encouraged to read the following in a letter from the Random House publicist:
"Because it offers an unvarnished view of this common but not commonly-reported problem, the author has asked that we send advance copies to postpartum depression counselors and therapists throughout the country, in the hopes that it could prove useful as a starting point for discussions. Fiction can often touch and give insight in a way that manuals and self-help guides, however well-intended, cannot."

If you lead a book club or support group that would like to speak with this author or get more information about the book, contact Jennifer Jones, Random House Publishing Group, at jmjones (at) randomhouse (dot) com.