Every woman should read this book – a cautionary tale about financial independence and marriage. Here is my book review Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden.

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Betrayal

After twenty years of marriage, Belle’s husband suddenly admitted to an affair and announced he was leaving her. Belle was blindsided, having seen no red flags. She is left to manage during the pandemic their house and three children.

Strangers

Despite her initial despair and hopes that her husband would change his mind, Burden spends the next several years bouncing from depression to self reliance. She realizes this man she has spent twenty years with was a stranger to her, and his casual refusal to update their prenup should have been a red flag to her. Despite her wealthy upbringing, she has allowed all of her assets to be shared, even while allowing her husbands income to not. A long drawn out divorce takes a tremendous toll on her personal health, her family and even her friendships.

Her husband cuts off his relationship, claims he does not want shared custody and turns her life into a living hell during the divorce negotiations.

Cautionary Tale

I found the book to be well written and intriguing. Her story is believable, and a cautionary tale to women who cede all control of the family finances in marriage. Burden found herself not aware of the truth of the financial situation or prepared for the her precarious situation.

Some people have criticized this author because of her families wealth, but I found her truth and honesty of the demise of her marriage both fascinating, educational and heartbreaking.

****Four stars for Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden

Thank you for reading my book review Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden. See last week’s book review John of John by Douglas Stuart.

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