"In the Safe and Sound" takes an unflinching look at the consequences of alcoholism and addiction, as seen through the journey of the main character, Mallory. Woven throughout her life story are moments of sweetness and heartache, acceptance and rejection, hope and loss. The novel paints a picture of a life lived between emotional extremes; the bright light of joy made euphoric against the darkest shadows of depression, and the importance of unconditional self-love in balancing a path to heal.