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Matrescence
- On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood
- Narrated by: Lucy Jones
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
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Summary
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.
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- Elizabeth Elliot
- 08-08-23
A beautiful exploration of motherhood
I listened to this whilst in my final trimester of pregnancy and it really helped me to understand the physical, emotional and cultural changes that I had experienced as well as what was to come. I love Lucy Jones' style of vivid nature imagery and fantastically explained scientific research. highly recommended for anyone who is on the journey of motherhood as well as those who are supporting them. a beautiful gem of a book x
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- Andrea L.
- 06-01-24
I wasn’t going mad after all
What a relief to know that this metamorphosis happens to all women. We need to talk more about it and help each other. Maternity is indeed the most mystical and growing experience a woman can have. A unique opportunity and privilege to face our own shadows and become stronger. My kids are teenagers now. As my great grandmother, who died at 99 once told me, matrescence ends the day you close your eyes. Thanks you, Lisa for putting words into all this.
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- Anonymous User
- 25-04-24
This book made me feel seen
This book will challenge your views and change your life! It’s amazingly well crafted terrifying and wonderful and important
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- Laura W.
- 13-07-23
This is the most incredible book
This book has brought together all the thoughts/feelings and experiences that I have experienced in my first year of matrescence. I’m blown away by the length and breadth of research, analysis and ideas in the book. If I could take this book and insert it into the brain of every leader, decision and policy maker in the world then I would. Times need to change and it’s important for these stories to be told and heard - Thank you Lucy
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- Amazon Customer
- 17-09-23
An excellent book
This book is enlightening, warming and will make you furious! Matrescence is the word.
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- Daniel MacLeod
- 04-04-24
Empowering
This is by far the most meaningful, empowering book I have ever read/ listened to. As a new mother to a 6 month old baby I had some mixed feelings and emotions that I was unsure how to process and deal with. Jones managed to bring so many current issues faced in motherhood to light and reassure me that what new mothers go through in daily life from conception to birth right through motherhood is life changing and enough credit isn't given to mothers in daily life. Jones did a great job with her research in this book and I found all the facts and information extremely interesting.
I could not rate this highly enough!
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- Lucy Hammans
- 22-11-23
Important
Incredibly well written and researched book woven around the author’s personal experience. Everyone should read this!
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- Anonymous User
- 24-01-24
Amazing and so much information!
Amazing book for every woman to read! I got so much information about childbirth and child rearing that nobody tells us!
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- Vicky Adams
- 23-03-24
Amazing!
This is an incredible listen - I was riveted throughout and congratulate Lucy on her brilliant narration of this amazing book.
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- L M Smith
- 17-07-23
An absolutely vital book
An incredibly thoughtful discussion of the gaping absences of language, research and understanding around the experiences of birth and being a mother/caregiver. The author considers these issues with wide ranging consultation to literature and science and through their own personal experience of having three children and the predictably challenging, dismantling and transformative aspects. Most uniquely and beautifully, these discussions are interwoven and related to the authors observations and experiences of wonder in the natural world alongside caregiving. A terribly apt lens for an area of life in which the world ‘natural’ is so misused, and at times weaponised. Thank you Lucy Jones.
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