Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
A therapist's provocative look at why love and desire clash in long-term relationships, and how couples can bring the erotic back home.
by Esther Perel
About this book
Why does desire so often fade just when love feels most secure? In Mating in Captivity, couples therapist and bestselling author Esther Perel explores one of the most persistent puzzles of modern relationships: how to reconcile our need for security with our equally strong hunger for adventure, mystery and passion. Drawing on more than twenty years of clinical practice, Perel moves beyond statistics, scheduling tips and communication checklists. Instead, she looks at the poetics of sex and the nature of erotic desire. Why does closeness sometimes dampen passion? Why is the forbidden so alluring? Why does becoming parents so often upend a couple's intimate life? And is it truly possible to want what you already have? Across eleven thought-provoking chapters, the book examines intimacy, equality, fantasy, the influence of culture and history, parenthood, fidelity and the erotic blueprints we carry from childhood. Perel challenges the idea that good communication automatically leads to good sex, and suggests that eroticism thrives in the space between self and other. Written in an engaging, intelligent and candid voice, this is a book for committed couples, therapists and anyone curious about the tension between love and desire. Expect fresh perspectives, real-world insight and ideas you can reflect on and discuss with your partner. Start reading Mating in Captivity online in your browser right now, with instant access and no waiting.
- Author
- Esther Perel
- Length
- ~300 pages
- Reading time
- 5 h 58 min
- Chapters
- 29
- Released
- October 24, 2026
- Languages
- 🇬🇧 EN · 🇵🇱 PL · 🇩🇪 DE · 🇫🇷 FR · 🇪🇸 ES · 🇮🇹 IT · 🇧🇷 PT-BR · 🇲🇽 ES-MX · 🇵🇹 PT · 🇺🇦 UK · 🇨🇿 CS · 🇸🇰 SK · 🇬🇷 EL · 🇭🇺 HU · 🇹🇷 TR · 🇳🇱 NL · 🇷🇴 RO · 🇧🇬 BG · 🇭🇷 HR · 🇷🇸 SR · 🇸🇮 SL · 🇱🇹 LT · 🇱🇻 LV · 🇪🇪 ET · 🇸🇪 SV · 🇩🇰 DA · 🇳🇴 NB · 🇫🇮 FI · 🇯🇵 JA · 🇰🇷 KO · 🇨🇳 ZH · 🇹🇼 ZH-TW · 🇮🇩 ID · 🇻🇳 VI · 🇹🇭 TH · 🇮🇳 HI · 🇸🇦 AR · 🇮🇱 HE
- Formats
- eBook · Print edition
- Print format
- Paperback, 13.5 × 21 cm, 336 pages
- Age rating
- Mature 17+
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