The Codependency Trap: Searching for the Shire (Unabridged‪)‬

Searching for a simple life, Florence decided to take the route of least resistance. Sheltered within the institution of marriage, it was a place to hide from the world. However, the outside world has a way of creeping in. 

The Codependency Trap takes us on a journey of self-discovery through one woman’s life. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Florence had always felt tolerated, rather than unconditionally loved, as a child and she spent her adult years seeking acceptance. A series of relationships were almost convenient rather than for all the right reasons. This would lead her eventually to the realization that she was co-dependent and always needed others’ approval for her own happiness. 

The road to recovery wasn’t always easy. Sometimes her desire for love and acceptance caused her to weaken her personal boundaries. Florence learned about self-love and acceptance. Sometimes, she strayed, but she now knew, that she was enough. For anyone who has ever wanted to understand codependency, this is a great book. Rather than reading something clinical on the subject, the reader “lives” the codependent's life through the book. The narrative unfolds naturally and flows well. The message about the care of self-becomes very clear as the story progresses. The book deals with issues of codependency and changing societal gender roles during the 60s and 70s.