Sometimes, a book arrives in your life at just the right moment—when its themes resonate deeply. That’s how Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer felt. Its opening journal entry from a young mother in 1957 immediately pulled me in:

“I am alone in a crowded family these days, and that’s the worst feeling I’ve ever experienced… I fear myself.”

Grace’s words struck me instantly. I recognized postpartum depression in her writing, and throughout the day, I kept returning to the book until I finished it before bed.

Set in Seattle, Truths I Never Told You explores the struggles of three women across two eras—the 1950s and 1990s—tackling societal views on postpartum depression, dysfunctional families, and women’s rights. Author Kelly Rimmer points out that these challenges, both then and now, remain deeply connected. The novel also touches on abortion, making it especially timely in light of Roe v. Wade’s recent overturn.

In the late 1950s, American TV shows painted a glossy version of family life—one that didn’t match Grace’s reality. She married young, had four children in quick succession, and was expected to embrace her role as a stay-at-home mother. But as she journaled, it became clear she was battling something much darker.

Fast-forward to the 1990s, when we meet Beth, a psychologist on maternity leave. Exhausted and irritable, she struggles with guilt over her difficulty adjusting to motherhood. She dismisses concerns from her husband and sister, denying that anything is wrong. But when her father enters hospice care, and she discovers shocking family secrets, her symptoms worsen. Thanks to her family’s intervention, Beth finally seeks medical help—and is diagnosed with postpartum depression.

One passage from her doctor stood out to me:

“Depression doesn’t always look like simple sadness. Sometimes it’s muddled up with anxiety and irritation… Sometimes it’s intrusive thoughts you can’t shake, or feeling like the world has been drained of color.”

Rimmer’s portrayal of these women’s struggles underscores the devastating impact of untreated mental illness. Thankfully, attitudes toward postpartum depression have evolved, allowing women today to receive proper care.

I’m grateful things have changed—because my story might have been different otherwise.

When I had my first son in 1997, my mother told me about the “baby blues,” a common, but not accurate term for postpartum struggles at the time. But when I had my second son, I sensed something was off. Irritability, feelings of inadequacy, resentment toward breastfeeding—I knew I needed help. My doctor immediately identified postpartum depression and prescribed medication, which helped tremendously.

Sharing these experiences is vital. Mothers who’ve walked this path can empower future generations by telling their stories—helping their daughters, daughters-in-law, and even sons recognize the signs.

For readers drawn to novels about family, relationships, and women’s history, Truths I Never Told You is an emotional journey of heartbreak, healing, and forgiveness, weaving together a family’s past and present.

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