A World Beyond Monogamy: How People Make Polyamory and Open Relationships Work and What We Can All Learn From Them

by Jonathan Kent, Meg-John Barker (Foreword)

Skills to make every relationship better. We're living through a relationship revolution. Millions around the world are moving beyond coupledom to explore multiple consensual romantic and/or sexual connections. One in five Americans are thought to have experimented with 'monogamish,' open relationships, swinging, polyamory, or relationship anarchy and more with the knowledge and consent of all those involved. But to make these relationships work consensually, non monogamous people have to supercharge relating skills like communication and negotiation, skills that can benefit us all, whether we love many or just one. In this ground-breaking book former BBC and Reuters journalist Jonathan Kent takes a comprehensive took at the frontiers of love and sex; the triumphs, the pitfalls, the tools one needs, the lessons we can all learn. A World Beyond Monogamy draws on the first hand experience of scores of people from six continents who are writing their own relationship rules, as well as on the expertise of biologists, sociologists, psychologists, and philosophers.

Genres: Relationships, Polyamory

558 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[StellaDow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the pioneering books examining this subject area have annoyed me, because they seem to make all sorts of assumptions about class, resources and privilege, while adopting a US-centric view. The interviewees in this book are a more varied bunch. This, and the sheer breadth of topics researched make this a valuable contribution to the field. All of this means that this is a hefty book, but one so engagingly written that it was a delight to read.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good and well planned introduction to a very concept heavy world. It was nice to have so many things addressed but not feel bogged down in it.

[Cora Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone seeking an in-depth look at how non-mono/relationship anarchy works, look no further. A World Beyond Monogamy is thorough, detailed, and informative. It takes a wide range of voices from different poly communities around the globe, a vast wealth of experiences from hetero-normative, LGBTQ+, from White, Black, and Asian people living in America, Europe, East Asia and more. It brings in young voices, and older voices. Those new to non-monogamy, and the old hats who have been practicing relationship anarchy long before it was cool. It brings the concept of relationship anarchy, a concept as old as time, into the 21st century and explains how it has and continues to evolve. The book is well written, well researched, and a pleasure to read.

[Sean Prior · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a carefully researched, accessible and balanced treatment of a very interesting subject, and an enjoyable read. The author has interviewed a formidable number of people across the spectrum of non-traditional relationships, and sets out the results in an energetic and non-judgemental style. I found a lot of useful insights into relationships of all types (not just romantic), but it's also a great read in its own right.

[Anita Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable, well-written and fascinating guide to relationships. We can all learn so much from those who consider and question the dominant ideas about love, sex and relationships. A great book to dip in and out of or to dive into. It's a deep pool of ideas and inspiration about what's truly possible in love and life.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and well written

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that covers an expansive range of subjects and ideas. It covers all the bases of ethical non-monogamy.