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  • Mating in Captivity

  • Reconciling the Erotic & the Domestic
  • Written by: Esther Perel
  • Narrated by: Esther Perel
  • Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (815 ratings)

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Mating in Captivity cover art

Mating in Captivity

Written by: Esther Perel
Narrated by: Esther Perel
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Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

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

What listeners say about Mating in Captivity

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A therapy for the price of a book!

Esther helped me stay sain and make it through a tough period, by understanding what's what.

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Brilliant!

Dr. Esther Perel gives brilliant and educational insight to the ins and out of sex in relationships!

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Amazing insight

I absolutely loved this audiobook. The insight into working Eros into the domestic is one I have never heard before. I have put some of these suggestions into how I communicate with my spouse and have found them to be very valid and validating.

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3 people found this helpful

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Transformed my understanding of sexuality!

This book is the first one I've read (heard) that REALLY helped me to understand how my background and experiences have influenced my views of sex and eroticism in my marriage.
Please read it or listen to it! Now that I understand this better I am asking myself all kinds of questions about what I want and how to better connect with my spouse when this has seemed like work in the past. I'm excited to build on what I have learned instead of intimidated and I'll equipped to move forward.

The author narrates and I loved that because it felt like I was actually getting advice and insight from her more than just reading.

Highly recommend!!!!

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Great

Really loved it! This book was Easy to read and had really Great info! #Audible1

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Great information.

Great information and stories that help you understand the place that you are in your relationship.

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If you're thinking about buying, just do it

This is a super enticing book through and through. It pulls out greater concepts by using cases from Esther's clientele, which gives the story gripping details. Beyond this, she has a timeless analysis of human sexuality that can be translated onto anyone. Plenty of topics in here to make you think and reflect.

If you're thinking about buying it, just do it.

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Required reading - sexuality and fantasy can stay in a relationship

Really enjoy this, learn a lot as a related to the ideas that are fantasies, or minor, not necessarily actually want to commit to in the flesh. For anyone who’s been in or desires to be in a relationship that allows for the constant growing of both partners, and with the pursuit of making the other happy, or was it to themselves, and the other, to be aware of the contents of this book.

Ester has a unique accent, so some might have a harder time listening but she speaks eloquently.

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Reconciling the Erotic & the Domestic

Psychotherapist Esther Perel tackles the paradox of modern love. She explores why it's hard to want what you already have, even in the most committed and loving relationship. Good read.

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A must to read for all committed relationships

This book is an eye opener for the meaning of love and sex within committed relationships. Highly recommended for couples who are seeking to reignite their erotic lives together.

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