Monogamy Myth -Op/99

In an introduction, Theodore Rubin ( Compassion and Self-Hate ) praises this book as a means of helping couples repair relationships damaged by infidelity. The recommendation is justified, but readers will need great patience to get through the ineptly written and repetitious text. Updating Beyond Affairs , which the author wrote with her husand in 1980 about the wounds caused by his affairs, the guide contains information gathered from others whose marriages are threatened by adultery. Although statistics indicate the prevalence of unfaithful marital partners, most people tend to believe that their mates will be forever true. This illusion, the ``myth of monogamy,'' Vaughan states, is an impediment to saving a threatened marriage. Without blaming the other man/woman, the book stresses partners should work together to solve the problems caused by human failings. (Nov.)