Women and Their Fathers

Heartfelt, chatty, well researched and supportive, this study clearly demonstrates how a daughter's relationship with that old mystery man, Dad, colors the rest of her love life. Secunda ( When You and Your Mother Can't Be Friends ) talked to 150 daughters, 75 fathers and numerous psychologists. Young, middle-aged and elderly, these daughters and fathers speak frankly about filial/paternal love, guilt, failure and abuse. These aspects are grouped into thought-provoking categories (though with some confusing overlap): doting, seductive, demanding, absent or distant dads; maverick, fearful, competitive, good-girl or princess daughters. Seconda winds up with suggestions for both parties on improving their relationship, and offers questions a daughter can ask to find her way into the uncharted territory of the paternal heart. (June)