Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
Perel's first book and the best chronological introduction to her work on intimacy, erotic desire, and long-term relationships.
Author guide
Esther Perel Books in Order
Esther Perel is a Belgian-American psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author whose work explores modern relationships, intimacy, erotic desire, infidelity, and relational intelligence. She is the author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, and hosts the podcast Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel.
nonfictionpsychologyrelationshipssex and sexuality
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Novels (2)
- Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
nonfiction · 2006
Why does great sex so often fade for couples who claim to love each other as much as ever? Can we want what we already have? Why does the transition to parenthood so often spell erotic disaster? Does good intimacy always make for good…
- The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity
nonfiction · 2017
"Affairs, the author argues, have a lot to teach us about the human heart--what we expect, what we think we want, and what we feel entitled to. They offer a unique window into our personal and cultural attitudes about love, lust, and…
Frequently asked questions about Esther Perel
Who is Esther Perel?
Esther Perel is a Belgian-American psychotherapist, author, speaker, and organizational consultant known for her work on relationships, intimacy, desire, and infidelity.
Sources: estherperel.com (opens in a new tab)ted.com (opens in a new tab)
What is Esther Perel’s cultural and family background?
She grew up in Antwerp, Belgium, in a family shaped by her parents’ survival of Nazi concentration camps. She later studied in Jerusalem and moved to the United States for graduate school.
What is Esther Perel best known for professionally?
Perel is known for bringing ideas about modern relationships and erotic life to a broad audience through psychotherapy, public speaking, TED Talks, and the podcast Where Should We Begin?
Sources: ted.com (opens in a new tab)estherperel.com (opens in a new tab)
What influenced Esther Perel’s approach to relationships?
Her family history, especially her parents’ emphasis on resilience, vitality, meaning, and making the most of life, strongly influenced her thinking. Her early professional work also examined cultural and religious identity and the tensions between tradition and modernity.
What awards or honors has Esther Perel received?
Her podcast Where Should We Begin? received a 2018 Gracie Award, and Perel was named an inaugural recipient of the Signal Awards’ 2024 Special Achievement Award for her impact on podcasting and cultural conversation.
Sources: eonline.com (opens in a new tab)signalaward.com (opens in a new tab)