X-Book

Mother of Invention

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

WATERSTONES BEST POLITICAL BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2021
LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL

‘I am absurdly excited for this book’ Caroline Criado Perez

Bestselling author Katrine Marçal reveals the shocking ways our deeply ingrained ideas about gender continue to hold us back. Every day, extraordinary inventions and innovative ideas are side-lined in a world that remains subservient to men

But it doesn’t have to be this way. From the beginning of time, women have been pivotal to our society, offering ingenious solutions to some of our most vexing problems. More recently, it is women who have transformed the way we shop online, revolutionised the lives of disabled people and put the climate crisis at the top of the agenda.

Despite these successes, we still fail to find and fund the game-changing ideas that could alter the future of our planet, giving just 3% of venture capital to female founders. Instead, ingrained ideas about men and women continue to shape our economic decisions; favouring men and leading us to the same tired set of solutions.

For too long we have underestimated the consequences of sexism in our economy, and the way it holds all of us – women and men – back. Katrine Marcal’s blistering critique sets the record straight and shows how, in a time of crisis, the ingenuity and intelligence of women is that very thing that can save us.

Critics Review

Praise for Mother of Invention

'A book with a radical agenda ... Marcal wants nothing less than a revolution in the way we think about ourselves.' The Times

'A smart, witty and fascinating warning from history. I loved this book.' CAROLINE CRIADO PEREZ, Bestselling Author of Invisible Women

'wry and witty ... it's high time to put the needs of all people and the planet at the heart of invention.' KATE RAWORTH, author of Doughnut Economics

'This is an absolute must-read. Equal parts informative and infuriating.' DR FERN RIDDELL, author of Sex: Lessons from History

'From wheeled suitcases to witch trials, Katrine Marcal makes you look again at history in this funny, clever and provocative book'HELEN LEWIS, author of Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights

'...Infuriating, but always thought-provoking and intriguing. A clearly-needed wake-up call to future innovators not to view the world through a narrowly gendered lens but to pay attention to the skills and lived experiences of all. '
PROFESSOR GINA RIPPON - bestselling author of The Gendered Brain

[Katrine] brilliantly proves how male-driven technology over the ages has limited full human development by neglecting a liberating female narrative and perspective.' JAN ELIASSON, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN

'Mother of Invention had me nodding along in emphatic agreement. To tackle the substantial problems ahead, we cannot afford to innovate with 'one hand tied behind our backs.' IRISH TIMES

'This second book by the author of Who Cooked Adam Smith's Dinner? is both bracing and highly entertaining. Marcal's contention is that while women have been coming up with ingenious inventions since the beginning of time, they are routinely sidelined in a world geared to men.' THE BOOKSELLER

User Reviews

Book 4.0
Narration 5.0
4.0
5.0
This is a powerful book with an important message. It explores how society's views on gender (or rather, white men's dominance of prevailing societal views) impact economics, innovation and politics. It highlights that we have a tendency to denigrate the traditionally 'female' elements of humanity, thus optimising innovation in pursuits that men value, hindering innovation that might be more beneficial to society as a whole - using the current climate emergency as a case in point. Interestingly, she demonstrates the crucial role policy and strategy can play in enabling and focusing innovation - it's not something done to us, but rather a choice we all make.

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I felt that not all of her assertions were always solidly backed with facts, which had a tendency to undermine her overall message.
kellifb 05/12/2025

More from the same

Narrator

About xigxag and the x-book®

Discover the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed to simplify finding, purchasing, and enjoying your favourite books in audio format. Our flexible pricing model makes bestselling audiobooks affordable, offering the best audiobook deals without the need for a subscription. You can also give the perfect gift with our convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

A core differentiator of xigxag is our groundbreaking listen-and-read x-book® technology, which delivers a truly immersive digital book experience. This unique innovation seamlessly combines the audiobook, text, and images into a brilliant, integrated format, complete with exclusive audiobook features and a next-generation digital reading experience. Our growing x-book selection is easily discoverable by looking for the distinctive purple x-book® ribbon, or by simply filtering your search by ‘x-book’.

Beyond our technology, xigxag is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we stand as a leader in audiobook innovation and a compelling alternative to big tech. Our commitment extends to delivering extraordinary customer service, provided by our friendly UK support team.

Effortlessly search audiobooks, gain insights from honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. You can download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere, guaranteeing the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.