January 2012: Book review by Megan Mitchell
Using the true story of a couple he calls Peter and Fiona as a thread throughout the 73-chapter book (yes, that’s right, 73 nifty little chapters making up 178 pages) author Spike Farrell (Umhlanga’s own) focuses on all aspects of marriage, from the reasons for skipping down the aisle in the first place to abuse, jealousy, lack of empathy, boredom, adultery (even how to catch a cheating partner) and, of course, divorce, should it come to that.
The author points out that it is easy for a couple to slip into a situation where they start to take each other for granted and make mistakes which could lead to the collapse of their relationship. He tackles some of the more common, easily-avoidable ones and suggests action to take that could save the marriage. Farrell believes that if both parties still love each other then the union is worth saving.
Should the relationship reach the point of no return, there are more than 15 chapters devoted to divorce … from choosing an attorney, to children in divorce, friends in divorce, and picking up the pieces after this most devastating of processes.
Truly cherish
It has taken this reviewer two marriages, one divorce and this book for it to really hit home – if you love each other, marriage is something to take seriously, work hard at and truly cherish. If you can possibly avoid it, don’t become another statistic.
I believe that every couple, married or not, should get themselves a copy of this book and read it every couple of months, whether they think their marriage has hit a snag or not. It may just see you through to “as long as we both shall live”. – Megan Mitchell
**Farrell says that Marriage and Divorce: A Survivor’s Guide is available at Exclusive Books (La Lucia and Gateway), Books and Books and Adams Musgrave, along with other smaller bookshops around the country. It is also available at Amazon.com
If you wish to contact the author: 083 788 3950 or e-mail spikefarrell@mweb.co.za