Author divorced from reality

The Divorce Dilemmaby Richard GoodallRenaissance Books, 17.50Sarah AnticoneThe flyleaf to this book should be read carefully.

It says: 'Some readers will be infuriated by the analysis and arguments put forward...'The author, who is qualified as a solicitor and a barrister, makes no apologies for his opinionated views, and openly declares that his credo is that the unrestricted availability of divorce is a grave mistake.The book provides a historical analysis as to how we arrived at a position where divorce is so available, and describes his reasons as to why this route was taken and why people divorce.It is not that the author has failed to address some of the most obvious source material and data available in the field of divorce - referring as he does to government reports and statistics, as well as much overseas sociological material - but that his analysis of this material appears to be so divergent with current thinking.The author holds extreme views on most women's issues, many of which could be unpopular.

He also has a particularly low opinion of the current government's efforts to bolster the institution of marriage, and provides his challenging views on how the values of church and the nuclear family could have assisted more in supporting marriage, if only society had valued these institutions more highly.Mr Goodall dedicates one chapter to the effect of divorce on the children - a subject which continues to concern practitioners in the field, as well as governments and families.While it is always important to be reminded of the fall-out following the breakdown of a relationship, Mr Goodall's suggestion that children's natural parents should remain together for the sake of the children - no matter how unsatisfactory the relationship - will be viewed by many as abhorrent.It seems he believes that the general acceptability of divorce should be challenged, as it creates a self-perpetuating circle of 'divorce-prone people' and undermines the family and society as a whole.What the book lacks are ideas and solutions for change.

While the author acknowledges the changing status of the institution of marriage, the book makes scant reference to - or analysis of - changing social mores.

Consequently, the author appears a lone voice pushing back a wave of social change.Sarah Anticone is a partner in the family department at City firm Charles Russell