Love Isn’t Always the Answer

by Shelley L. Levisay

Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir

ISBN: 979-8215099063

Print Length: 190 pages

A bold account of abuse at the hands of a first love

In “Love Isn’t Always the Answer,” Shelley Levisay bravely confronts the painful reality that even accomplished individuals can find themselves trapped in abusive relationships. While she achieved numerous wins in her professional and academic life, her personal life was lacking. Struggling to find friends and romantic partners, she succumbed to desperation and fell into a relationship with a deeply troubled man.

The book chronicles the dramatic downfall of Shelley’s life over just a few months. She loses the few friends she has, her independence, and the career she worked so hard to build. “Love Isn’t Always the Answer” serves as a collection of red flags experienced by a successful woman blinded by the allure of love.

Levisay fearlessly tackles a sensitive and challenging subject with confidence. She provides raw and honest narration of her experiences in her first romantic relationship, which ultimately turned out to be extremely abusive. As a woman in her thirties, a faithful Christian, and an accomplished litigator, few would expect her to find herself convicted of a felony for harboring a fugitive. Yet, that’s the path she ultimately walks. Levisay’s hope is to shed light on the red flags she ignored, offering a relatable account for abuse victims and a valuable learning experience for other readers.

One of the standout qualities of this book is Levisay’s unflinching honesty about herself and the situation, even when it doesn’t cast her in a positive light. This level of self-awareness creates a sense of trust between her and the readers, which they will undoubtedly appreciate. While many people who have been in toxic relationships can eventually admit their own faults, articulating those faults in writing demonstrates a profound level of self-reflection. It was her desperation that led her to such a dark place, and acknowledging that became the first step towards her recovery.

The book begins with a brief background of Levisay’s life before her relationship, swiftly immersing readers in a series of accounts detailing her abuse and challenges. The narrative delves into the financial strain she endured, including expenses for him, cars, apartments, hotel rooms, and support for his family. Levisay briefly touches on the start of her relationship before plunging into the darkest moments. The subsequent chapters unveil some of the most harrowing experiences of her life, encompassing the first half of the book. However, at times, the accumulation of terrible events can feel overwhelming and make it challenging to progress through the narrative.

Relief arrives as the book transitions to court scenes in the second half, offering insight into Levisay’s life after the abusive relationship and how her story evolves in the face of relentless turmoil. However, this section becomes predominantly court proceedings and dialogues, which can feel repetitive after the wealth of information presented in the first half.

Despite these minor drawbacks, “Love Isn’t Always the Answer” successfully presents harsh truths about abusive relationships and highlights the transformative power of true friendship. The book reveals the ways in which genuine friends show up when they are needed most, offering support and strength during the darkest times.

Levisay’s story serves as a testament to resilience and personal growth. It provides valuable lessons on recognizing and escaping abusive relationships, while also showcasing the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network. “Love Isn’t Always the Answer” is an inspiring read that sheds light on the depths of human endurance and the potential for redemption.