What a wonderfully written, beautifully eye opening read. This book explores the alternatives to the once idealized, perfect scenarios of marriage, affair, divorce, and ever after with grace and dignity. Hopefully, Perel’s nonjudgmental, but logical and straight forward ideas will trickle down in society to offer aid and sanctuary to those suffering through the typical fallout from affairs. Written in language that is relevant, honest, and real, Ms. Perel courageously provides new avenues for framing relationships and lovers’ feelings.

Trying to put this book into a category of “pro” or “con” relative to affairs would be a mistake. Instead, expect honest evaluation drawn from many interviews, conversations, and counseling sessions — but not from religious, moralistic, or tradition-bound bases. The conclusions aren’t data-driven either.