This work investigates the sociological and psychological dynamics of remarriage in contemporary society. Leslie Aldrich Westoff, a journalist and researcher, utilizes interviews and case studies to examine the challenges and adjustments faced by individuals entering a second marriage. The text explores how previous marital experiences, children from prior unions, and evolving social expectations influence the stability and success of new partnerships.

Readers frequently note the accessible, journalistic prose style that makes complex sociological observations easy to digest. Experts often cite this as a foundational text for understanding the shifting landscape of family dynamics during the period of its publication.