Preview
  • Matrescence

  • On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood
  • By: Lucy Jones
  • Narrated by: Lucy Jones
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)

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Matrescence

By: Lucy Jones
Narrated by: Lucy Jones
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Publisher's summary

A New Statesman and Daily Mail BOOK OF THE YEAR

'The best book I've ever read about motherhood' Jude Rogers, Observer

'I kept scribbling in the margins: 'We need to know this stuff!'' Joanna Pocock, Spectator

A radical new examination of the transition into motherhood and how it affects the mind, brain and body

During pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, women undergo a far-reaching physiological, psychological and social metamorphosis.

There is no other time in a human's life course that entails such dramatic change—other than adolescence. And yet this life-altering transition has been sorely neglected by science, medicine and philosophy. Its seismic effects go largely unrepresented across literature and the arts. Speaking about motherhood as anything other than a pastel-hued dream remains, for the most part, taboo.

In this ground-breaking, deeply personal investigation, acclaimed journalist and author Lucy Jones brings to light the emerging concept of 'matrescence'. Drawing on new research across various fields—neuroscience and evolutionary biology; psychoanalysis and existential therapy; sociology, economics and ecology—Jones shows how the changes in the maternal mind, brain and body are far more profound, wild and enduring than we have been led to believe. She reveals the dangerous consequences of our neglect of the maternal experience and interrogates the patriarchal and capitalist systems that have created the untenable situation mothers face today.

Here is an urgent examination of the modern institution of motherhood, which seeks to unshackle all parents from oppressive social norms. As it deepens our understanding of matrescence, it raises vital questions about motherhood and femininity; interdependence and individual identity; as well as about our relationships with each other and the living world.

Cover image: Pregnant Woman, 2008, by Louise Bourgeois © 2024 The Easton Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photo: Cristopher Burke

©2024 Lucy Jones (P)2024 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

“Wide-ranging and hugely ambitious…Marshalling memoir, science, sociology, and history, Jones argues that, outside of adolescence, there is no transformation as dramatic in a human’s life [as motherhood], in both its emotional and biological impacts.”The New Yorker

“In this maddening journey of motherhood, I encourage everyone to let Matrescence be your soothing guide. From my early days of motherhood to a few years deep in the trenches, Lucy’s words and wisdom continues to guide and comfort me. Matrescence is the sister I never had but always longed for as I try to figure out how to mother in this world. It’s a fierce book, equally tender as it is sharp. It is my kind of bible that I will carry with me (and gift to others!) for a long time.”—Szilvia Molnar, author of The Nursery

“A beautiful contemplation of the extraordinary yet ordinary metamorphosis that adult humans undergo as they become mothers. I was entranced . . . a passionate and powerful maternal roar for change. Wonderful.”—Gaia Vince, award-winning journalist; author of Adventures in the Anthropocene

What listeners say about Matrescence

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thoroughness

openness !
intelligence!
great reading, well- researched, thoughtful presentation, balanced view.
Highly recommended to all parents.


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Moving

The most seen I have ever felt in a book. Well done. Every mother, father, mother to be and person should read this.

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Required Reading for All

A cathartic read for new moms, an excellent read for anyone who has a mom in their life.

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I loved it and I crave more!

The way Lucy wove her own stories into the educational component was brilliant. I walked away with so much more knowledge about matrescence and also wishing I could grab a coffee with her. Im going to be recommending to every mother I know.

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Great book to understand yourself as a mother

Helped me to make sense of things as a new mom and person after giving birth

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A challenging and sometimes tough listen

This was very interesting, unique, at times enraging, at times uplifting. May have benefited from a professional storyteller to bring more of it to vivid life.

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Urgently needed analysis for the current state of motherhood

A must read for all mothers and those who know one. This book resonated so deeply with me. I cried during the breastfeeding chapter and the one on labor. Thank you Lucy for providing a crack of light on this often overlooked topic

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Must read for new mothers and mothers to be

I have struggled after my son was born and I blamed myself for that. After reading this book I felt a relief knowing what I went through was a normal reaction as a newly mom. I recommend this book to any new mothers.

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Loved it

I loved this book. Not all of her experiences were exactly like mine and yet they were so much the same. So so so good. A must read.

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Gobbled up every word! Finally felt seen.

I wish I read this earlier in my journey into motherhood. I felt seen while listening to this book. It gave me an understanding of so much of what people don’t talk about during the transformation into motherhood. I gobbled up every word. I loved that it was read by Lucy. I felt like we were sitting down having a chat.

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