Fragmented Families: Patterns of Estrangement and Reconciliation by Ellen B. Sucov, PhD

"Everything has its season, and there is a time for everything under the heaven." But how do we understand the "season" for estrangement? When is the time to shatter, to hate, and to cut off from one's own family? Can the fragments ever be restored? Is it possible to heal the wounds, to mend the broken parts? How can a woman reconcile with a brother who has shunned her for forty years? Can we learn to make peace with alienated parents, with children who have banished us from their lives? Will we ever be able to laugh together and embrace them?
| ABOUT ELLEN B. SUCOV | | POETRY & QUOTES | | EXCERPTS | | KEY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
| STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE | | STORIES OF REAL FAMILIES | | CONTACT ELLEN SUCOV | | PURCHASE THE BOOK |

Fragmented Families: Patterns of Estrangement and Reconciliation
Welcome from Ellen Sucov
Fragmented Families: Patterns of Estrangement and Reconciliation expands current knowledge of estrangement and its implications. New insights emerge from the interpretations of family conflict in sacred and secular literature. Narratives of real families present vivid examples of the pain of estrangement and, in some cases, chart the pathway to reconciliation. The process of resolving a prolonged estrangement in the author's own family is documented in detail. The author provides sensible strategies and useful resources for the task of reconciling with alienated family members. By applying suggestions offered in the concluding chapters, readers can discover how to transpose the negative impact of estrangement into a compelling incentive for exploring family dynamics and clarifying their own role in the family.

On this site, you will find excerpts from the book, a brief autobiography, definitions of key terms, a collection of relevant poems and quotes, stories about real families, and suggestions for restoring a fragmented family. I will be glad to respond to questions and comments from readers.

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National Jewish Book Award Winner

Fragmented Families has been chosen as the winner of the 2006 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD in the category "Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice." CLICK HERE to read more.

Copyright 2006 Ellen Sucov. All Rights Reserved