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Matrescence

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

©2023 Lucy Jones (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

A thrilling examination of what it means to be a mother … Myths are smashed from page one … essential reading, roaring and ready to change conversations
Observer
I kept scribbling in the margins: 'We need to know this stuff!' ... wide-ranging in its scope, packed with statistics … comes as close as it’s possible to describing this indescribable moment in a woman’s life
Spectator
Reading this, I felt a jolt of recognition ... I wish someone could have handed me Matrescence
New Statesman
This deeply personal book takes on “fairytale” ideas about being a mother … An exploration of motherhood – the contrast between myth and reality and between individual and social expectations ... Jones writes beautifully and with searing honesty about the life-changing physical and emotional impact of having a child
The Times
She is a gifted writer … A vital, hopeful book ... to read Matrescence is to emerge chastened and ready for change
i News
Beautiful... boundary-pushing … Jones is a pioneer ... she skilfully elucidates the monumental shifts motherhood brings ... I found myself inwardly cheering
Guardian
It is difficult to put into words the importance of this book. I felt it in my heart. I carried it with me, I think I always will. Jones has written the book we desperately needed
Daisy Johnson
Matrescence took me on a journey of reminescence through my own pregnancies and early years of motherhood, eliciting wry recognition, surprise at new evidence and insight, and gratitude for a work that really sees what it is to mother
Clare Chambers
A beautiful contemplation of the extraordinary yet ordinary metamorphosis that adult humans undergo as they become mothers ... I was entranced ... Matrescence is a passionate and powerful maternal roar for change
Gaia Vince
Hypnotic, fascinating and long overdue. I am so glad it exists. A gift of a book and told beautifully.
Laura Dockrill

User Reviews

Book 4.9
Narration 4.6
Author Lucy Jones
Narrator Lucy Jones
Duration 10 hours and 4 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9780241627549
Format Audiobook
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Genre Gender studies: women and girls, Human biology, Pregnancy, birth and baby care: advice and issues, Women’s health
Availability AU, GB, IE
Rating
4.9 (7 reviews)
Narration
4.6 (7 reviews)

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