The Illusion of Love: Why the Battered Woman Returns to Her Abuser

by David P. Celani

Book Overview

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in our society that has only recently come to be acknowledged in public discussion. Though many see it as a social and political problem grounded in unequal gender roles, this level of analysis fails to explain adequately why many battered women return to their abusers despite intense suffering and the certainty of more physical violence.

The Illusion of Love challenges the prevailing model,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 023110037X
• ISBN13: 9780231100373
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Why do Women Stay?

If you have been abused or you work with people who are being abused (that accounts for 85% of the US) read this book. It's not obvious, even to victims, why they can't just walk away. Since typically the abuser is male and victim is a female I was impressed that this compassionate book on the subject was written by a male. A classic in the subject of abuse.

an insightful view of destructive relationships

The author provides a foundational understanding of the psychodynamics and cyclic nature of abusive relationships. Celani explains how adult relations are unconscious repetitions of early childhood 'object relations'. He also compares his theories to those of other researchers and addresses practical methods for helping the victims. He is apparently passionate about the subject, making the book lively and approachable for lay persons as well as for psychotherapists.