Mating in Captivity Audiobook By Esther Perel cover art

Mating in Captivity

Reconciling the Erotic & the Domestic

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Mating in Captivity

By: Esther Perel
Narrated by: Esther Perel
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About this listen

Esther Perel takes on tough questions, grappling with the obstacles and anxieties that arise when our quest for secure love conflicts with our pursuit of passion. She invites us to explore the paradoxical union of domesticity and sexual desire, and explains what it takes to bring lust home.

In her 20 years of clinical experience, Perel has treated hundreds of couples whose home lives are empty of passion. They describe relationships that are open and loving, yet sexually dull. What is going on?

In this explosively original book, Perel explains that our cultural penchant for equality, togetherness, and absolute candor is antithetical to erotic desire for both men and women. Sexual excitement doesn't always play by the rules of good citizenship. It is politically incorrect. It thrives on power plays, unfair advantages, and the space between self and other. More exciting, playful, even poetic sex is possible, but first we must kick egalitarian ideals and emotional housekeeping out of our bedrooms.

While Mating in Captivity shows why the domestic realm can feel like a cage, Perel's take on bedroom dynamics promises to liberate, enchant, and provoke. Flinging the doors open on erotic life and domesticity, she invites us to put the "X" back in sex.

©2006 Esther Perel (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers
Marriage & Long-Term Partnerships Personal Development Psychology Sex Instruction Well-being Essentials

Critic reviews

"As revelatory as it is straightforward....Perel sanctions fantasy and play and offers the estranged modern couple a unique richness of experience." (Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Mating in Captivity

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An invitation to reflect upon your relationship

I love Esther and her clarity to bring such obvious facts that happens under our nose in a regular relationship.
This book is big help for you to understand how to have the required emotional intelligence to keep a healthy relationship.

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Great for all couples ....

Loved her since I saw her talks on TED TALKS. RECOMMEND to everyone you won't regret it.

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Must read!

Fantastic book! Men, women, married, single, gay, straight, undefined, etc. this book will have something that will apply. It opens your eyes to the the primal nature of our sexual desire and the need/longing for intimacy and the delicate balancing act that is sooo misunderstood in today’s society. Well done!

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Incredible!

This is an absolutely amazing book and her voice is even more impressive. I would recommend this book to anyone.

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very well presented audio book

Esther Perel in my opinion Always knows how to present and that comes across in this audio book. Very interesting topics well divided and easy to follow.

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Transformative

Deeply insightful, beautifully written and full of real-life, sharp observations about humans "in captivity". A highly enjoyable listening experience last but not least due to the poetic language and the author's passion for the matter.

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The key to sex in marriage in modern day

I am so turned off by the Imbalance of raising our family that I can’t wait to get out of this co habitation. If my husband would read this and collaborate on RE igniting eroticism with intent we could save the relationship. I still will move out but I believe the relationship could be long and great if these principles are respected when we plan to meet and meet up.

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Esther Perel is brilliant

Listening to Esther Perel narrate her books is like being in therapy with her. I learn so much about myself and her insights are simply brilliant.

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The best book on sex and relationships I've found

Esther imparts so much wisdom in this. If you and your partner listen to this together to discuss, it will enrich your relationship and take it to places you didn't imagine.

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Solid Perspective

Enjoyed the premise, interesting perspectives, but the dang weird bongo music transitions between chapters are just awful.

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