Travels with the Magician

How do women get drawn into violent relationships? Why do they stay when alcohol is causing violence and constant put downs? The story starts as an adventure and romance but Tess looks back on her life, the death of her mother and all the love and tenderness she was accustomed to and does not understand what she has done to deserve her new lover's anger and cruelty. It should be easy to just walk away. Why isnt it?