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Matrescence

On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood

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Matrescence

By: Lucy Jones
Narrated by: Lucy Jones
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About this listen

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
Gender Studies Motherhood Relationships Sexual & Reproductive Health Sexual health Pregnancy

Critic Reviews

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)

What listeners say about Matrescence

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The best book on motherhood I've read.

An insightful mix of science, psychology, philosophy and memoir. I would recommend this to anyone interested in becoming a parent.

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Transformative information every parent needs to hear

I loved the way in which this book shared what I found was truely transformative information about the journey into becoming a mother, however it's not just for new Mum's. It should be read by Dad's, grandparents and anyone with an interest in human and societal development. Brilliant book, just brilliant!

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Incredible!

What an incredible and inspiring book on such an important subject! Let's change the system! Thank you.

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Excellent book

Explained exactly how I felt I was going through as a new mom and helped understand the physiological changes causing some of it

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Resonated deeply

At times it was like Lucy was speaking my own experience of early motherhood. This book exposes the depths of the maternal experience that are so seldom spoken about. Essential listening for anyone who found their experience of early motherhood didn't match their own, or societal expectations.

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Honest and Brilliant

Lucy Jones is very generous in this book. She shares stories that are hard to hear, she goes all in and puts herself in a hard spotlight to be at. This is an honest book, not a palatable and delightful one. It's also a book where you'll find resources, inspiration and concepts to help you go through matrescence, to help you loose a bit of the heavy load. It's not my experience, in many ways, but I know it's the experience of many and Lucy brings up her own story to give voice to every single woman that went through what she's been through. Honest, generous, courageous, backed up by amazingly well done research and just brilliant, really.
P.s.: If you're listening to it on audible, her voice brings LIFE to the book. Couldn't stop listening for days. Thanks, Lucy and well done!

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Must read for any parent or parent to be

What a profoundly beautiful and powerful book that gives a balanced discussion of the huge challenges but also wonder and beauty of the matrescence journey. Not at all what I expected and I am so glad I listened! I will be gifting this to any future pregnant/early parenthood friends

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