Trad shooting is a little harder, and yes, its much harder to hold back. Your tag says you are a retired old fart lol, so I'm guessing that your wife is over 50? Not sure if she could use it really, as I know nothing about her. If nobody offers a compound, take her to a bowshop to try a recurve. The poundage is opposite from a compound as the weight goes from nothing to full at full draw. She would also need to learn how to shoot without a sight. Recurve is probably not the best option for you/her, but its an option.

Edit; give her something that weighs 45lbs, put one hand on a stool, draw the weight up like a bow and see if she can comfortably hold it.