CONTRACT COHABITATION: An Alternative to Marriage

by Edmund L. Van Deusen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1974

After the huge success of Open Marriage, we're ready to shut our mouths about books like this one which is a variant thereof, devised by Van Deusen, a chemist of fifty, who left his wife after 27 years and five children, had a few floating experiences, and then organized this specific ""Rent-aWench"" Plan, placing an ad for a $500 a month housemate and securing Elaine. The terms of the contract are outlined at the start and it can be written or unwritten and terminated at any time. It offers ""none of the concessions and compromises of marriage"" (or real life?) and differs from the O'Neills' in that there is no equality (the man is the employer, after all) and there need be no overall concept of synergy. But you can and probably will love without being in love (most married people will find this equivocal distinction naive). The second part deals with the practicalities, from outlining the terms (who does what, etc.) to placing the ad. Unless given the commercial putsch of its predecessor, it could as easily disappear as your last office temporary or cleaning woman.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Grove Press -- dist. by Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION