A New York City therapist examines the paradoxical relationship between domesticity and sexual desire and explains what it takes to bring lust home.

One of the world’s most respected voices on erotic intelligence, Esther Perel offers a bold, provocative new take on intimacy and sex. Mating in Captivity invites us to explore the paradoxical union of domesticity and sexual desire, and explains what it takes to bring lust home.

Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a couples therapist, Perel examines the complexities of sustaining desire. Through case studies and lively discussion, Perel demonstrates how more exciting, playful, and even poetic sex is possible in long-term relationships. Wise, witty, and as revelatory as it is straightforward, Mating in Captivity is a sensational book that will transform the way you live and love.

Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships.  Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world.  Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her international bestseller Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence is a global phenomenon that has been translated into nearly 30 languages.  Her newest book is the New York Times bestseller The State of Affairs:  Rethinking Infidelity.  Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work?  Learn more at EstherPerel.com or by following @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.  

“As revelatory as it is straightforward…nicely accessible…[Perel] offers the estranged modern couple a unique richness of experience.” — Publishers Weekly

“Perel tells us why intimacy can feel imprisoning and how we can embrace the erotic—without leaving home. Her writing is fresh and provocative, in a class by itself.” — Janis Abrahms Spring, Ph.D., author of After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful

“Her advice is refreshingly counterintuitive.” — Salon.com

“Mating in Captivity takes a hard line against one of the most time-honored institutions in human history: the sexless marriage…It reads like a cross between the works of Jacques Lacan and French Women Don’t Get Fat.” — The New Yorker

“Mating in Captivity...articulates a poignant and unacknowledged modern crisis for the first time.” — The Evening Standard (London)

“An elegant sociological study, complete with erudite literary and anthropological references.” — Daily Telegraph (London)

“An academic perspective on the deterioration of sex in relationships...Perel offers insightful, progressive theories on how to put the play back into partnerships.” — Daily Record & Sunday Mail

“A charming blend of wit and wisdom...this book will give you a fresh perspective on long-term love.” — Gold Coast Bulletin (Australia)

“Well argued points written with considerable eloquence.” — Jerusalem Post

“This is a brave book...refreshing.” — The Times Higher Education Supplement

“So honest it hurts.” — Irish Times

“An excellent book, full of provocative prose and entertaining case illustrations.” — Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy