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The End of Miracles: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 203 ratings

The End of Miracles is a twisting, haunting story about the drastic consequences of a frustrated obsession. A woman with a complex past wants nothing more than to become a mother, but struggles with infertility and miscarriage. She is temporarily comforted by a wish-fulfilling false pregnancy, but when reality inevitably dashes that fantasy, she falls into a depression so deep she must be hospitalized. The sometimes-turbulent environment of the psychiatry unit rattles her and makes her fear for her sanity, and she flees. Outside, she impulsively commits a startling act with harrowing consequences for herself and others.

This emotionally gripping novel is a suspenseful journey across the blurred boundaries between sanity and madness, depression and healing.

International Book Awards 2016 Finalist for Literary Fiction

Recommended by American Library Association

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Product details

Listening Length 9 hours and 33 minutes
Author Monica Starkman
Narrator Jane Oppenheimer
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date October 10, 2017
Publisher Monica Starkman
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B076B6H6WF
Best Sellers Rank #412,619 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#946 in Medical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#1,073 in Sexual & Reproductive Health
#3,345 in Physical Illness & Disease

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
203 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They enjoy it and find the story emotional and true to life. The depiction is praised as brilliant and intimate. Readers appreciate the character development and complex characters. They feel enlightened and more knowledgeable about the subject after reading the book. However, some felt the pacing was slow at times.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

31 customers mention "Suspenseful"27 positive4 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe the narrative as compelling and riveting. Readers appreciate the author's experience and insights that give credence to the disturbing content. The novel is based on clinical experiences in a believable way. It's a pleasure to read about sorrow, loss, depression, and hope.

"This is a beautifully written story chronicling a woman’s obsessive need to be a mother that will nearly cost the lives of a stranger’s infant and..." Read more

"...The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist..." Read more

"...is let into a mind that loses its grip on reality in a completely believable way and for understandable reasons. Not a small accomplishment...." Read more

"...And from which it can return. It is also a riveting read." Read more

12 customers mention "Enjoyment"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They could hardly put it down.

"I enjoyed reading this book very much...." Read more

"...A good read. Y anyone interested in the human mind and how it can be affected by life's events and how it can be healed." Read more

"...and perfectly-paced debut novel should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good read and especially to those with an interest in mental health issues...." Read more

"This is really a great book and I really enjoyed reading it...." Read more

11 customers mention "Empathy"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book empathetic and compassionate. They appreciate the author's insights, compassion, and expertise. The story is described as emotional and true to life.

"...The End of Miracles is written with the insight and compassion that only a skilled mental health clinician could render...." Read more

"...who has been through a similar situation, this story was incredibly emotional and true to life...." Read more

"...The author has spent her life as a close and compassionate observer of human minds and hearts, and her great experience and insight give credence to..." Read more

"...The novel evokes empathy and compassion and wonderment at the fragility and resilience of the human spirit." Read more

9 customers mention "Depiction"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the depiction of infertility and child loss to be realistic. They appreciate the details, character development, and story. The portrayal of psychotherapy is fascinating and provides a great service. Overall, readers find the book revealing and intimate.

"...seldom read a psychological suspense novel with such an accurate and nuanced depiction of a person struggling with a serious, acute mental health..." Read more

"This book was, for the most part, a very true depiction of infertility and child loss...." Read more

"...and other precious human parts slowly taking shape are beautifully rendered...." Read more

"...Dr. Starkman has brilliantly captured and described it from both perspectives. There were parts that took my breath away." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the descriptions touching and Margo complex, making them root for her happiness. The psychological mystery seems authentic, with the author's presence being prominent.

"...I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a character driven story that explores the mysteries of the psyche and it’s impact on our physical being...." Read more

"...Yet Dr. Starkman accomplishes this goal with detailed depictions of her characters, dialogue, and a patient's perspective." Read more

"...I was moved by the characters and felt that although this is a novel, this could be based on something true. I really recommend this book." Read more

"...Margo is such a complex character that she had me rooting for her happiness and I needed to find out if she would indeed have something resembling..." Read more

7 customers mention "Enlightened reader"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and engaging. They appreciate the author's insights, compassion, and expertise in guiding readers through complex topics. The book informs and entertains, making it an important read for anyone who wants to better understand the pain of depression.

"...Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer..." Read more

"...This book has given me a greater understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders...." Read more

"...her full psychiatric training in a way that both convinces and instructs the reader through a compelling tale of desperation, depression and near..." Read more

"...Dr. Starkman has brilliantly captured and described it from both perspectives. There were parts that took my breath away." Read more

4 customers mention "Resiliency"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a finely crafted work full of emotional and psychiatric insights. They appreciate the vivid portrayal of dreams, conflicts, and defenses.

"...Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character...." Read more

"...The novel evokes empathy and compassion and wonderment at the fragility and resilience of the human spirit." Read more

"...The bond between husband and wife, in this book was strong. It isn't always like that in real life." Read more

"I read to the end in an excited blaze last night. A finely crafted work full of emotional and psychiatric insights...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the book's pacing slow to get going. They say it takes a long time to get anywhere. The account of infertility and postpartum depression is gripping, with a true portrayal of the agony of infertility.

"...finished book but story is difficult to bear as it recounts many efforts to become pregnant, a miscarriage and succeeding events...." Read more

"The book was way overwritten - the language, the dialogue. Slow to get started, slow to get moving...." Read more

"...n't bring myself to care about any of the characters, it took forever to get anywhere, and at times it felt like there was going to be a psych test..." Read more

"...A gripping account of severe postpartum depression with the ring of truth...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018
    This is a beautifully written story chronicling a woman’s obsessive need to be a mother that will nearly cost the lives of a stranger’s infant and the woman herself. Ultimately, with the the guidance of a skilled psychiatrist, this woman will develop the insights and the skills needed to move beyond that obsession and to live a healthier perhaps happier, more fulfilled life.

    I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a character driven story that explores the mysteries of the psyche and it’s impact on our physical being. The author, Monica Starkman, is a gifted writer whose prose is at times quite lyrical. The End of Miracles is written with the insight and compassion that only a skilled mental health clinician could render. The subtleties the writer captures within the totality of protagonist’s life as a: wife, friend, volunteer, career woman and patient makes this a rich and satisfying read.

    Nurses and clinical social workers might find this book especially enjoyable. I've seldom read a psychological suspense novel with such an accurate and nuanced depiction of a person struggling with a serious, acute mental health break. (Actually, I can’t remember another that reaches this caliber.) The portrayal of the protagonist’s professional life as a hospital administrator contrasting the conflicts and frustrations involved as that department struggled to budget cost effective, quality patient care during a time when nurses were grappling to redefine their professional role is well drawn.

    As a nurse who has worked exclusively with psychiatric patients in hospital settings I found this book relatable and accurately depicted. I do like that in a book.

    I received an Audible copy of this book in exchange for a truthful review.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2016
    The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character.
    Following infertility and grief after a late miscarriage, Margo Kerber believes herself pregnant again, but when the ultrasound reveals this is a trick her body and mind are playing on her, her mental processes unravel further. We are taken on a journey from childhood imaginative fantasy to the strange content of dreams, and from normal defenses to breaks with reality testing.
    Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer worlds.
    “The End of Miracles” gives us an account of the multi-determinants that can go into any one impulsive action. It informs and it entertains. We can only hope this debut novel will have its successors.

    The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character.
    Following infertility and grief after a late miscarriage, Margo Kerber believes herself pregnant again, but when the ultrasound reveals this is a trick her body and mind are playing on her, her mental processes unravel further. We are taken on a journey from childhood imaginative fantasy to the strange content of dreams, and from normal defenses to breaks with reality testing.
    Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer worlds.
    “The End of Miracles” gives us an account of the multi-determinants that can go into any one impulsive action. It informs and it entertains. We can only hope this debut novel will have its successors.

    The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character.
    Following infertility and grief after a late miscarriage, Margo Kerber believes herself pregnant again, but when the ultrasound reveals this is a trick her body and mind are playing on her, her mental processes unravel further. We are taken on a journey from childhood imaginative fantasy to the strange content of dreams, and from normal defenses to breaks with reality testing.
    Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer worlds.
    “The End of Miracles” gives us an account of the multi-determinants that can go into any one impulsive action. It informs and it entertains. We can only hope this debut novel will have its successors.

    The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character.
    Following infertility and grief after a late miscarriage, Margo Kerber believes herself pregnant again, but when the ultrasound reveals this is a trick her body and mind are playing on her, her mental processes unravel further. We are taken on a journey from childhood imaginative fantasy to the strange content of dreams, and from normal defenses to breaks with reality testing.
    Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer worlds.
    “The End of Miracles” gives us an account of the multi-determinants that can go into any one impulsive action. It informs and it entertains. We can only hope this debut novel will have its successors.

    The End of Miracles is a beautifully-written suspenseful novel. Fantasies, dreams, conflicts and defenses are vividly portrayed, and a psychiatrist at work is a key character.
    Following infertility and grief after a late miscarriage, Margo Kerber believes herself pregnant again, but when the ultrasound reveals this is a trick
    her body and mind are playing on her, her mental processes unravel further. We are taken on a journey from childhood imaginative fantasy to the strange content of dreams, and from normal defenses to breaks with reality testing.
    Dr. Starkman portrays this vividly with an awesome descriptive ability to make us feel we are right there as an observer of Margo’s inner and outer worlds.
    “The End of Miracles” gives us an account of the multi-determinants that can go into any one impulsive action. It informs and it entertains. We can only hope this debut novel will have its successors.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2017
    I have not finished book but story is difficult to bear as it recounts many efforts to become pregnant, a miscarriage and succeeding events. I am sure this happens yet appears a little conrtrived
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2016
    I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author is an experienced clinician in her field of psychiatry with a special expertise in psychosomatic illness. She brings that understanding to a beautifully written story of a normal, functioning woman who becomes psychotic. The reader is let into a mind that loses its grip on reality in a completely believable way and for understandable reasons. Not a small accomplishment. All the while, the prose is smooth, lyrical at times, and clear. While the story is compelling, it also instructs the reader about mental illness and its treatment. I particularly appreciated scenes where bewildered friends express their guilt about not recognizing the protagonists' severe mental anguish and intervening to help. It captures how helpless we all feel when someone goes off the tracks as happens much too often in today's horrific news events. The scene provides us with a certain amount of forgiveness.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2020
    What is it like to have depression with psychotic features?
    What is a day like inside a psych ward?
    What is the psychiatrist thinking?

    Mental illness and particularly psychosis are such charged subjects. Fear of the unknown prevents us from getting the answers that would relieve our fears. Sometimes the best way to explore questions like these is in a story.

    In this debut novel, Monica Starkman turns her clinical experience to the story of one woman, Margo Kerber, a long-infertile woman who finally conceives, tragically miscarries, and then... unravels. The result takes us inside the minds and thought processes of a woman in anguish, the psychiatrists who treat her, and the attorneys who consider her fate. Starkman's novel does a public service, putting flesh and bone, story and respect on the strange places a mind can go. And from which it can return.

    It is also a riveting read.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Miriam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Touching
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 20, 2017
    I sincerely related myself to the many struggles infertility couples go through. Although it is fiction, the issues presented are very real and were accurately presented.
  • SarahC
    3.0 out of 5 stars Ummmmm
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2019
    I am not sure how I feel about this book. It all got a bit random towards the end and was most irritating!