Back from Betrayal: Saving a Marriage, a Family, a Life

by Suzy Farbman, Burton Farbman, Marianne Williamson (Foreword)

Back from Betrayal is a beautifully written and brutally honest account of marital infidelity and the long journey back to reconciliation. Suzy Farbman was living the American dream: great kids, a marriage that had lasted nearly three decades, a successful career, and a comfortable lifestyle. But when she discovered her husband was having an affair, her dream turned to nightmare, her secure world crumbled. She was not alone. Experts tell us that in this country at least one of every three couples is touched by infidelity. And middle-aged couples today admit to twice the rate of infidelity as the preceding generation. While infidelity usually results in either divorce or an empty relationship, Suzy was determined to fight back. First for her own life. Then, if possible, for her marriage and family. Suzy Farbman’s personal odyssey is one of the first published by a woman who confronted infidelity and went on to save her marriage. It was a long and difficult struggle, but in the process she learned much about what it takes to rebuild a relationship. Here, too, are the revelations and insights of her husband, Burton. In his own words, he presents the startling account of how a successful businessman took full measure of himself and then made profound changes to dismantle the layers of his deceptive life. Back from Betrayal will inspire couples who want to repair a broken marriage, and will also guide those in a healthy partnership to a deeper level of commitment and self-awareness. This courageous story adds a new perspective to our understanding of infidelity and, more important, reveals a process that can lead to healing and renewal.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2004

Reviews

[Imfree73 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tossed this book across the room when I finished it. I felt like I was reading about the desperate effort a woman was putting into a marriage with a man who didn't sound very remorseful and was just along for the ride. I truly hope that wasn't the case but in the book she was putting in the effort and trying to fix all the things that the husband should have been doing. I have gone through a similar situation with a man who seemed to more remorseful than this guy, yet upon spying on him to ensure I was doing the right thing by working on it, it turned out he had many more affairs he intended to keep secret and was still cheating and obviously had no plans to truly change. I just wonder if there was true change here with the husband.

[Kristen Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning of Suzy's story, I was captivated. She was vulnerable and raw in her own self-deception, her fight to regain a life that no longer existed, and the battles she faced in herself and with her husband in order to save their marriage.

Not everyone is able to look betrayal in the face and choose to do whatever it takes to save the relationship. Suzy goes into depth of her own personal growth and healing, the pathways she took to regain her sense of self and identity, and the reality of letting go of someone she loved in order to break free of her own bondage.

This is an empowering and encouraging read for anyone who is struggling with finding themselves on the wrong side of their spouses betrayals.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry but this book is c#@p. The husband is a shmuck and the wife a wimp. I know, the epilogue showed that they end up happily ever after but I don't think he is worth it.

[Jan Tisdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couple had a good marriage, nice boys, jobs and money. Susy finds out her husband was with another women and later with many women and how they mend their relationship.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book about relationships, marriage and affairs. The characters are a little hard to relate to, however their strong desire and the amount of work they were willing to do to save their marriage is amazing!

[Jenny Nichol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this book for a book club. Wouldn't read....not good