Father Loss: Daughters Discuss the Man That Got Away

by Elyce Wakerman

Book Overview

Elyce Wakerman talked with scores of women for this important book and found that the loss of a father -- through death, divorce, or abandonment -- is an experience that fundamentally shapes a girl's life and all her future relationships. "In my fantasy," one woman commented, "he remains the perfect, all-giving man" -- a difficult role for any other man to fill. Based partly on the author's experience, partly on her indepth interviews, and partly...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805001670
• ISBN13: 9780805001679
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 291 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

father loss

In the 80's this was the first book i had come across that dealt with all aspects of father loss as well as with all different kinds of losses. The subject was dealt with on a personal level (true stories from those who had lost a father) and on an academic level. For the first time in my life, I realized i wasn't nuts. I still deal with my father's suicide but have done much to heal my past, including running a suicide group for the families left behind. Very informational book.

It was time to update my review...

The first time I finished this book was at 4:00 in the morning. I promptly threw it across the room and cried until dawn. The second time I read "Father Loss," I dog eared the upper right hand corner of the pages I liked. The third time I read it, I dog eared the bottom right hand corners of the pages that interested me. After that, I took to highlighting the important paragraphs. My copy of "Father Loss" is all but mangled, but I will not give it up. Since 1985, I've purchased countless copies for women friends with similar backgrounds. You should read the thank you notes I've received...they're full of praise for Wakerman's masterpiece. This book helped me to understand why I behave the way I do. It also gave me comfort in the knowledge that I was not alone in my suffering and that my anguish was real and worthy of attention. Although nothing will replace the black hole in my heart left by my father's death, "Father Loss" was the most important tool in my recovery and my path to a healthier relationship with men. A must-have for any woman who has lost her father to death, divorce or abandonment. It will help. Trust me on this one.

Finally!

I was six years old when my father died in 1975. At that time, there were NO materials on father loss for girls. Reading this book has been an amazing experience for me, and brought much understanding to my relationships with men. I am very grateful for such an excellent resource, and highly recommend it to all women with early father loss.

A Must Read!!!

Ms. Wakerman is an incredible author. I am fortunate enough to say that I have not yet lost my father, but have been told that she captures the emotions that accompany this tragic event. She should be commended for her work.

One of the most important books in my life

The first time I finished this book was at 4:00 in the morning. I promptly threw it across the room and cried until dawn. The second time I read "Father Loss," I dog eared the upper right hand corner of the pages I liked. The third time I read it, I dog eared the bottom right hand corners of the pages that interested me. After that, I took to highlighting the important paragraphs. My copy of "Father Loss" is all but mangled, but I will not give it up. Since 1985, I've purchased countless copies for women friends with similar backgrounds. You should read the thank you notes I've received...they're full of praise for Wakerman's masterpiece. This book helped me to understand why I behave the way I do. It also gave me comfort in the knowledge that I was not alone in my suffering and that my anguish was real and worthy of attention. Although nothing will replace the black hole in my heart left by my father's death, "Father Loss" was the most important tool in my recovery and my path to a healthier relationship with men. A must-have for any woman who has lost her father to death, divorce or abandonment. It will help. Trust me on this one