Matrescence

On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood

De: Lucy Jones

Narrado por: Lucy Jones

A New Statesman and Daily Mail BOOK OF THE YEAR

'The best book I've ever read about motherhood' Jude Rogers, Observer

'I kept scribbling in the margins: 'We need to know this stuff!'' Joanna Pocock, Spectator

A radical new examination of the transition into motherhood and how it affects the mind, brain and body

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.

Cover image: Pregnant Woman, 2008, by Louise Bourgeois © 2024 The Easton Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photo: Cristopher Burke

©2024 Lucy Jones (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Wide-ranging and hugely ambitious…Marshalling memoir, science, sociology, and history, Jones argues that, outside of adolescence, there is no transformation as dramatic in a human’s life [as motherhood], in both its emotional and biological impacts.”—The New Yorker

“In this maddening journey of motherhood, I encourage everyone to let Matrescence be your soothing guide. From my early days of motherhood to a few years deep in the trenches, Lucy’s words and wisdom continues to guide and comfort me. Matrescence is the sister I never had but always longed for as I try to figure out how to mother in this world. It’s a fierce book, equally tender as it is sharp. It is my kind of bible that I will carry with me (and gift to others!) for a long time.”—Szilvia Molnar, author of The Nursery

“A beautiful contemplation of the extraordinary yet ordinary metamorphosis that adult humans undergo as they become mothers. I was entranced . . . a passionate and powerful maternal roar for change. Wonderful.”—Gaia Vince, award-winning journalist; author of Adventures in the Anthropocene

Every mother should read this book!

Great book! Eye opening! I am recommending it to all the mothers I know. It has it all, great stories, science, etc

Medicine for early motherhood

This is the book I didn’t know I needed. It reflected so much of my experience of early motherhood. I read it voraciously.

Moving

The most seen I have ever felt in a book. Well done. Every mother, father, mother to be and person should read this.

Required Reading for All

A cathartic read for new moms, an excellent read for anyone who has a mom in their life.

I loved it and I crave more!

The way Lucy wove her own stories into the educational component was brilliant. I walked away with so much more knowledge about matrescence and also wishing I could grab a coffee with her. Im going to be recommending to every mother I know.

thoroughness

openness !
intelligence!
great reading, well- researched, thoughtful presentation, balanced view.
Highly recommended to all parents.

Beyond happy I listened to this book!

I wish I had as elegant of words as Lucy to describe my feelings about this book. But I’m thankful that she has the words and her beautiful voice that she delivers in her narrative of this book. Having gone through Matrescense 10 years ago, I feel the community that I was seeking back then through her words. I feel seen and am in agreement with a need of change to support mother’s and all shapes and forms. Thank you thank you thank you. I will be sharing this book with my community, xo Erin

I felt seen & understood

This book made me feel seen and understood. I have struggled to articulate my inner experience of becoming a mother and Lucy nailed it. Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s illuminating and made me realize that it is not just me. Thank you, Lucy. Your words cradled my heart during a deeply tumultuous time.

Every parent should read this.

The metaphors of motherhood and her raw descriptions of her own experience touched me. I was brought be to tears as I recognized descriptions of my own experience, and appreciated her incorporation of research and scientific scholarship.

Beautiful, Serious, & Sooo Important

Thank you Lucy for doing this work, thinking this through and saying what I have not heard others say—but things that connect so much to my own experience or thinkings. Thanks for putting research, science and care behind what you have presented. While I to am coming from a heteronormative, biological mother space, I do think you have another book here — one that focuses on the changes for broader capturing of caregivers. That said, this was so perfect for me. I’m in my second pregnancy—and have read all the books out there, and this is truly a breath of fresh air. I wish I had it my first time around. But grateful for it now, so thank you.