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.