This is an interesting book of 22 short chapters examining the experience of the addict's family. It is ambitious, exploring diverse family relationships and spanning cultures as far as Aboriginal Australians. Chapters cover several topics, including interviews based on Professor Orford's extensive research with relatives and examination of a number of literary figures and their associates, and of pieces of fiction. For example, a brief extract from a play or novel is presented; or biographical accounts from Caitlin, wife of Dylan Thomas, or Sara, wife of Samuel Taylor Coleridge; or imaginary (but based on research experience) interviews with relatives of addicts. The types of addiction range from drug and alcohol to gambling, including compelling accounts of laudanum addiction. Each chapter ends with a commentary drawing together pertinent points, followed by questions and exercises, which would be suited to a wide range of student and professional groups.

Despite the disparity of material, there is a clear theme highlighting the similarity of relatives’ experiences across cultures and history. Examples include British Sikh wives, grandmothers, and the mothers of both Pete Doherty and Charles Baudelaire. Inevitably some differences emerge – in poorer societies and in societies with different marital customs, in different addictions and in individuals – but the commonality of reactions is marked. There is debate regarding the merits of tough love and a softer approach, and the reader is encouraged to draw their own conclusions.

If any criticism can be made, it might be that the chapters are very short, which makes examination of individual examples and ideas rather superficial at times. In my view, the literary and biographical examples are the most powerful, and invite the reader to explore these further. Although the book may lend itself best to a student readership, its diversity and links to the addiction literature will make it of interest to a wide range of professionals, as well as all who have had any personal contact with addiction.