JordanSavta

A Road Map for Escaping Marital Abuse

Reviewed: 04-29-18

Would you consider the audio edition of Not Exactly Love: A Memoir to be better than the print version?

I liked the book so much that I purchased a Kindle copy as well to read at night without disturbing anyone. While the voice of the Audible narrator was adequate, I found it a bit lifeless. The voice of the husband was gruff--a woman self-consciously imitating a man. I preferred the narrative voice of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

I felt throughout the author's desire to help others by sharing the details of her experience.

What three words best describe Patricia Santomasso’s performance?

Clarity, evenness, emotionlessness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not want to put the book down. It reflected so many social ills, so much gendered prejudice.I gasped with disbelief at the young policeman's words to the batterer-husband. "Take your wife out to dinner."

Any additional comments?

Betty Hafner’s story of marital abuse, escape and recovery is riveting. With calm and clarity Hafner communicates her terror, pain, and the all too common shame and denial that kept her a prisoner--the victim of a victim of abuse. Fortunately, she has supportive friends and, defying her controlling husband, she engages a wise therapist. With their help, she begins painfully to gain insight into her complicity in her abuse. This insight both fuels her escape and is Hafner’s generous gift to her readers. I highly recommend this book. It’s a good read, and it could save lives.

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