The Power of Parting

Praise

“This isn’t just a book—it’s a manifesto for self-liberation, a permission slip to heal, and an indispensable guide for all of us who have endured abuse in the name of family. Through a brilliant blend of research, reportage, and deeply personal storytelling, Dolan shatters the myth that family ties must be unbreakable and dares us to see estrangement not as a failure, but as a radical act of self-respect and empowerment. The Power of Parting is a courageous and necessary book that challenges us to reimagine what love, loyalty, and resilience truly mean.” —Lara Love Hardin, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Lives of Mama Love

“We don’t choose our family members, but we can choose how we want to be treated. Moving beyond societal guilt, secrecy, and taboos around estrangement, The Power of Parting provides concrete guidance on how to move forward when ‘working things out’ proves too difficult, too painful, or simply impossible. For anyone who has felt trapped by the deep wounds that relatives can inflict, this brave and groundbreaking book offers invaluable clarity, empathy, healing—and ultimately, freedom.” —Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and cohost of the Dear Therapists podcast

“From the family abuse he endured and the estrangement he achieved, Eamon Dolan has made a work of art that will console, inspire, and save many people. His writing is beautiful, his story and the stories of other survivors are riveting, and his guidance is clear and compelling. This wonderful book will help any survivor overcome the toxic legacy of abuse and find the rich, rewarding life they deserve.” —David Sheff, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Boy

“Dolan acknowledges the deep grief that can result from cutting family members out of one’s life but makes a strong case for its value as a form of self-care that offers victims greater agency and self-knowledge. The result is a smart and sensitive primer on a tricky and little-discussed issue.” —Publishers Weekly

“Genuine and heartfelt…The Power of Parting, addresses the deep emotional scars of child maltreatment and fiercely drives home the fact that we cannot condone child abuse in any form. The elegantly written and well-researched words of Eamon Dolan speak to the immense power of child advocacy and the responsibility of all to protect our children (and our adult inner child) from harm. I love this book.” —Karyl McBride, Ph.D., author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?