Review of The Secret of Loneliness in the Second Half of Life

[Mutai Marshal]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Secret of Loneliness in the Second Half of Life" by Marina Oppenheimer.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are social beings. Over the years, human beings have relied on each other for companionship, friendship, and assistance. However, as people get old, their circles become limited. Friends may relocate while children move out of the house to pursue their dreams. In most cases, this creates a void in the life of the affected individual.

In The Secret of Loneliness in the Second Half of Life, Marina Oppenheimer observes that we are never alone; we are the creators of our loneliness. Loneliness, in broad definition, refers to when one feels alone in the world and unable to bridge the distance between them and others. To most people, this menace is inevitable. It only gets worse with age. Loneliness brings about health problems. When battling her divorce, Oppenheimer suffered profound physical health complications. This was a consequence of becoming too dependent on her spouse.

The author strives to make the reader fathom the various causes of loneliness and overcoming it and also how one can enjoy their privacy. She defines empty nest syndrome as the difficulty experienced by parents when their children grow and move away. The syndrome, unfortunately, cannot be reversed. Parents have to devise ways to adapt to the new norm. Is it doable? Can technology replace the physical aspect of human connection?

I loved that Oppenheimer utilized scholarly articles to support her arguments. She employs the German philosopher Immanuel Kant to dispense more insights about loneliness. The philosopher defines reality as a composite of a subject and an object. Consequently, loneliness doesn’t exist on its own but from our thinking and circumstances. Most chapters were not concluded without an exercise. The follow-up activities aid the reader in better understanding the concepts addressed in the chapter and how to live life to the fullest. Most of the concepts in the book are thought-provoking. Oppenheimer inspired me to view things from a positive perspective. She embraces the need to settle our past by seeking forgiveness from those we wronged and granting the same to those who wronged us.

The experiences she underwent while growing up shaped this book. Instead of sitting back and giving up, Marina Oppenheimer took the best path; she overcame the struggles and proceeded to empower the elderly to expunge loneliness. The simple language and definitions deployed in the book’s entirety advance the ease of understanding the message passed across too.

There were no dislikes for me in this book. The Secret of Loneliness in the Second Half of Life is an educative book that contains sound concepts and ideas which give purpose and satisfaction in life. I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I noticed a few errors that posed no significant effect on the flow of the text. It was edited by a professional. I recommend this book to those of advanced age interested in conquering loneliness. Young people will also find helpful information; it is never too early to plan ahead.

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The Secret of Loneliness in the Second Half of Life
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[Ellylion]

I believe the book is a valuable read as it offers ways to overcome loneliness. I would add that it important in any age Thank you very much for an insightful review!

[Horlarmidey Harkinolah]

I have been searching for a specific book that could explain the difference between loneliness and enjoying one's privacy. Most people take loneliness as privacy, understanding the difference between this two entities can help in overcoming loneliness.
Thanks for the review.

[Sopulu Ezidimma]

I didn't know there was something like empty nest syndrome, amazing right. I see this as something that informs one and teaches as well. Great review.