A Vindication of Love

Nice little fantasy romp, but ultimately unsatisfying. Nehring claims that passion is missing from our lives – but is it? The case studies she presents certainly illustrate her points, but only in the way that J.P. Morgan and Warren Buffett would illustrate a “Personal Finance for Beginners” book: as extremes, even caricatures. In comparison to Diego and Frida, yes, most of us have tame love lives. But how is that a bad thing? Most of us aren't – and don't want to be – fiery temperamental rich artist types.

Kudos to Nehring for her insightful breakdown of the elements of ardor: power inequality, taboos, challenges. Most of us can take something home from that. But what is she really trying to accomplish with this book, with her over-the-top examples? Who among her readers will tell their spouse “see, honey, it's perfectly fine and even necessary for me to have an affaire de coeur”? It seems almost like she's defending her own needs.

Ultimately, though, I enjoyed this book. It's engaging, entertaining, educational, even inspiring.