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Mating in Captivity

Unlocking Erotic Intelligence

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Mating in Captivity

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

When you love someone, how does it feel? And when you desire someone, how is it different? In Mating in Captivity, Esther Perel looks at the story of sex in committed couples.

Modern romance promises it all - a lifetime of togetherness, intimacy and erotic desire. In reality, it's hard to want what you already have. Our quest for secure love conflicts with our pursuit of passion. And often, the very thing that got us to into our relationships - lust - is the one thing that goes missing from them.

Determined to reconcile the erotic and the domestic, Perel explains why democracy is a passion killer in the bedroom; argues for playfulness, distance and uncertainty; and shows what it takes to bring lust home.

Smart, sexy and explosively original, Mating in Captivity is the monogamist's essential bedtime listen.

©2006 Esther Perel (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

" Mating in Captivity...articulates a poignant and unacknowledged modern crisis for the first time." ( The Evening Standard)

What listeners say about Mating in Captivity

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Well worth a listen

I learnt a lot more than I expected too as the over all subject was broken down in to different scenarios and the context explained.
I wish the book was longer, I loved learning about the whys behind thoughts, feelings and actions, and having my view point and assumptions challenged, well worth a listen.

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Fascinating insight into sex and relationships

A book I bought out of curiosity for relationship dynamics and indeed the factors which led to sex, what Esther has written here is beyond fascinating. Truly, this is one of those reads I'd recommend to anyone. Going against many established dogmas while also dissecting the many aspects of our character which influences our views on love, sex and even indeed our societal and past influences and how they affect our lives in relation to others, especially partners. This book also appealed to me because it challenges many preconceived notions, while also engaging with an openness of mind which is rare to see. Just for the insight alone, I believe this to be worth the purchase.

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Brilliant

I loved this. Brilliant book. Will listen again, again and again. So much to learn.

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Brilliant

Something every long term couple would benefit from listening too. Real, honest, thought provoking.

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Eye-opening!

I was unconvinced in the first chapter or two as it took a little while to get going, but suddenly in Chapter 3, it clicked and I couldn't stop listening. Esther has a crisp, clear way of getting deep into the details of why relationships fail AND why they don't have to which I found fascinating. I found myself going "oh my god, that's me! I do that in a relationship!" or "That's my boyfriend all over!" She doesn't preach, she doesn't dictate, she simply uses her vast experience and examples from her practice to highlight potential pitfalls and how you might avoid them. I LOVE how unfailingly open and blunt she can be too - her examination of marriage and coupledom really hit me hard, particularly how ingrained "traditional" relationship expectations are in society and how, despite considering myself very liberated, I've still managed to absorb these expectations. It has changed how I think about relationships. I'm so impressed I'm going to gift it to my boyfriend and also recommended it to a friend who is going through a tough time in their relationship - to be honest, I can see I'll be telling anyone who'll listen how interesting and useful it is!

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Worldclass

The best ever book on eroticism and sexuality. Wonderfully narrated by Esther Perel herself in her soothing voice.

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Great book

Unbelievable how many things are important in keeping a relationship and sex in it alive. Many things but simple things. This book reminds how simple they are, but also how often we forget about them or twist them because of our past, because of convenances, religion, upbringing and social taboos.

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great book

the book was great. if I don't feel like writing a 15 word review i find it really irritating that audible won't let me move on from this book until I do. grrrr!

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Very interesting and insightful audiobook

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this Esther Perel audiobook. There were several chapters that resonated highly for me, and were insightful on how to move forward in my current relationship, particularly with our intimate connection. There were a few chapters that didn't relate to my life, such as bringing up children or infidelity, but I still found these interesting chapters to listen too, and you could skip them if you choose. Will definitely listen to her next audiobook!

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Essential info for deeper quality in relationships

I consider myself fairly self aware and educated about relationships, but there’s ALOT of new and insightful information in this audiobook. Would recommend highly.

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