Finally in paperback, the
New York Times bestseller that has fundamentally changed the way children of divorce see themselves as adults--updated with a new preface by the author.
Divorce is at once a widespread reality and a painful decision, so it is no surprise that this landmark study of its long-term effects should both spark debate and find a large audience.
In this compelling, thought-provoking book, Judith Wallerstein explains that, while children do learn to cope with divorce, it in fact takes its greatest toll in adulthood, when the sons and daughters of divorced parents embark on romantic relationships of their own. Wallerstein sensitively illustrates how children of divorce often feel that their relationships are doomed, seek to avoid conflict, and fear commitment. Failure in their loving relationships often seems to them preordained, even when things are going smoothly. As Wallerstein checks in on the adults she first encountered as youngsters more than twenty-five years ago, she finds that their experiences mesh with those of the millions of other children of divorce, who will find themselves on every page.
With more than 100,000 copies in print,
The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce spent three weeks on the
New York Times,
San Francisco Chronicle, and
Denver Post bestseller lists. The book was also featured on two episodes of
Oprah as well as on the front cover of
Time and the
New York Times Book Review.