Out of despair can arise a life of hope and promise. That is the simple message of Fruit of a Poisoned Tree. The story seems all too familiar; an abused child, a dysfunctional family, then a failed marriage and the grinding down of self-esteem. Fruit of a Poisoned Tree by Marlene Behrend is the account of one such life that managed to overcome the scarring effects of constant verbal abuse during childhood and early failures at relationships. This book"s lasting and redeeming virtue is the author"s successful search for a spiritual path that leads her into a life of worth as a single mother and a productive member of society. Marlene Behrend tells simply and straightforwardly how she found a spiritual path that led her to overcome despair and self-destructive behavior.