Customer Reviews

Stolen Love: Poetry for Cheaters

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Now here's a book that deals with the many issues involved in the complex subject of infidelity. It's one that looks beyond betrayal to deal with some possible reasons why people cheat. What's fascinating is the balance and tasteful way the author approaches and executes the work using poetry. Cheating, when it is discovered, is almost always a very painful experience that exacts its toll on the mates or spouses, but the guilty don't get off scott free either. To be able to get a glimpse of that element of clandestine relationships is as valuable to our understanding as is our compassion for those that have been victims of this age old bad habit. It's too bad this perspective is not discussed more often; if it were, this terrific little book would gain wider acceptance. And, eliminating the subtitle, "Poetry for Cheaters" might have made it easier to have in the house on the coffee table! It is truly a wonderful attempt to enlighten and enliven our discourse on infidelity. Kudos, D. Reid Wallace!

The topic of illicit love is given a different treatment in this short collection of poetry. Without glorifying or judging, the author, a relationship expert, explores infidelity from a number of different perspectives, always giving the reader food for thought. A quick and interesting read, it seeks to represent the different attitudes of the participants of secret relationships in a very accessible way, using short poems to convey thoughts and feelings, rather than a straightforward and more didactic discussion of the subject matter. I am impressed by the author's versatility, not only in style, but in giving many voices to a single topic.

Poetry that glorifies infidelity-- this book would be totally devastating to anyone who has been betrayed. It can even provide an incentive for a spouse who is considering an affair to follow through on it. It's a very destructive, sick book.