What Women Want

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

After thirty years of research, Sigmund Freud still felt the great unanswered question was: 'What does a woman want?' Fifteen years into her own journey as a psychotherapist, Maxine Chung believes she holds the answer.

Through the profound and moving stories of seven very different women, Maxine sheds light on our most fundamental needs and desires. From a young bride-to-be struggling to accept her sexuality, to a mother grappling with questions of identity and belonging, and a woman learning to heal after years of trauma, What Women Want is an electrifying and deeply intimate examination into the inner lives of women.

Based on hours of conversations between Maxine and her patients, this book lays bare our fears, hopes, secrets and capacity for healing. With great empathy and precision, What Women Want presents a fearless look at the depths of who we are, so that we can better understand each other and ourselves.

To desire is an action. This extraordinary book liberates and empowers us to claim what we truly want.

© Maxine Mei-Fung Chung 2023 (P) Penguin Audio 2023

Critics Review

  • This début from a leading psychotherapist is an enthralling, intersectional investigation of female desire

    Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller

  • I couldn’t stop thinking about these women’s stories. The best book on female desire and longing since Three Women

    Abigail Bergstrom, author of What a Shame

  • Maxine’s book is insightful, tender and brilliant. I am enraptured by these women’s stories.

    Katy Hessel, Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Story of Art without Men

  • A rich and intimate examination of female desire, Maxine’s book is full of wisdom and insight. I cannot recommend it enough

    Julia Samuel

  • A compelling read

    Sally Huband

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