Sex Drive: In Pursuit of Female Desire

What is a normal female libido, and how does it work? Sexual anthropologist Ellwood-Clayton explores these questions and more in this engaging, insightful, and readable book. She draws on philosophical, psychological, physiological, and cultural sources, as well as interviews with an array of women, in order to investigate the nuances of female desire, with chapters focusing on topics like aging, menopause, and motherhood. Ellwood-Clayton backs up most of her arguments with convincing support—as when she examines the science behind antidepressants and the quest for a “pink Viagra”—but some of her other ideas (e.g., the notion that women need to feel sexy to feel desire) are less compelling. Furthermore, despite the edgy chapter title “Motherfucker: merging eros and the maternal,” she stays relatively safe within the confines of traditional ideas of female desire and gender roles, often pointing to a woman’s need to “do it all,” and citing children as potential libido inhibitors. Young women seeking to redefine their sexuality won’t find much here, but for more mature women wishing to revitalize their sex lives, this is a fascinating guide to understanding female sexuality. Agent: Clare Forster, Curtis Brown (Australia). (June)