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If Love Could Kill: The Myths and Truths of Women Who Commit Violence

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Description

A groundbreaking work by an internationally acclaimed forensic psychotherapist that looks at women who commit extreme acts of violence and cruelty and at the underlying oppression and abuse often at the heart of these crimes Women can be murderers and child abusers. They can commit acts of extreme and sadistic brutality. And those who do, are outcasts from society and from womanhood itself. They are seen as monsters and angels of death: and must be kept at a safe distance. Anna Motz is a renowned clinical and forensic psychologist in London and New York. Writing with candor, compassion, and a clear-eyed perspective, she explores in depth the shockingly underexamined psychological underpinnings of female violence. Far from the heartless and inhuman monsters we might believe them to be, these women are often victims of a culture of violence and emotional trauma. Already hailed as a landmark, Motz's daring book, bursting with humanity, makes clear that women’s violence is more widespread than most realize, that these acts of violence expose deeply held, centuries-old beliefs about women and their value, and that these acts demand to be taken more seriously as a distinctive societal taboo that can—and must—be brought into the light. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Knopf


Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 6, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593534158


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 51


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.42 x 1.08 x 9.56 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #969,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1,190 in Medical Social Psychology & Interactions #1,691 in Popular Social Psychology & Interactions #6,307 in Sociology Reference


#1,190 in Medical Social Psychology & Interactions:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Beautifully Written, Compelling and Authentic
Format: Hardcover
I read this book recently and truly loved it. Anna Motz is a beautiful and compelling writer. I may not be the target audience for this book because I am not in the field of psychiatry/psychology (I'm an attorney), but I found it fascinating and very useful for understanding people in my everyday life, as well as making sense of information that filters in through the news/social media. The book is written from an extremely sincere and authentic viewpoint -- with a caring heart, but realistic head. This is a must read for people who work in therapeutic settings, and even for those who don't. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024 by VGreenberg

  • True Case Studies
Format: Hardcover
Forensic Psychologist Anna Motz tackles female violent crime and explores the histories and victimization of her patients. Each of the ten chapters delves into the case studies of ten women, each undergoing psychoanalysis by Dr. Motz. I found the women's stories to be compelling and heartbreaking. Each with a background of from child abuse and neglect to domestic violence and series mental health diagnoses. Anna Motz' understanding, experience and caring is clearly part of her treatment. She was able to create a trusting connection that allowed her patients to feel safe enough to share their stories and for many, make progress in treatment with her. Although not a true crime or suspenseful thriller, If Love Could Kill is an intelligent and important look at why women commit violent crimes. I hope this book helps to increase our understanding of the psychological impact of trauma and abuse in a way that helps victimized women receive support and help long before their desperation turns to violence. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024 by JerseyJude

  • Responsible
Format: Hardcover
Thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for allowing me to read and review If Love Could Kill The Myths and Truths of Women Who Commit Violence on NetGalley. Published: 02/06/24 Stars: 4 Thought-provoking. The author shares her personal experiences in conjunction with her education about specific women and their crimes. She also gives her opinion as to the why, etc. they commit these atrocities. She gently points out from professional and lay persons rationale traditional thoughts. Example: Upon hearing a mother hurts her child the general public immediately starts how could she, I never would,etc. No mercy or grace is given to illness. Motz writes well. The stories (actual cases) varied in comprehensive accepting of crimes and me trying to step back and objectively listen to her. I found this to be eye opening. I would gift this in a basket with a bottle and cheese. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024 by Mary Ellen

  • True Crime’s Guide to women who kill! Very Good!
Format: Hardcover
This is such an eye opening and interesting read about the criminal justice system's care of and the psychology behind female violent offenders. If you love true crime stories and forensic psychology, think in the vein of Mindhunter, I would highly recommend this! Each chapter focuses on a different case study blending factual and narrative styles to draw you into the psychology of each woman's story completely while still providing scientific and medical context. All of the chapters are engaging, disturbing and distressing despite the case study format. I never lost sight of the fact that these are actual women offenders housed in prisons and all of them did something horrific to land themselves in their situations. The author worked in the U.K. for many years, and hides most of the identities, except for a few of the more notorious offenders that you can guess, as the identity is not the focus of the book but the forensic psychology behind the offender. Each of these women ended up in Motz's office and these are her case notes, as she worked at prisons for most of her career as a forensic psychotherapist. This is such a thought-provoking and engaging read. If your a true crime junkie like myself, you will love it! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2024 by Lori P

  • Finally some understanding.
Format: Kindle
Thank you so much! I was badly abused by my mother and sister. But there was little relief from it, because they were women. Then, of course, I chose a wife, who was much like them. However, she was over-the-top violent and abusive towards me and the children. We both tried to keep up appearances in front of others. When I was away for work for an extended period of time, some friends, who knew her, told me about what they had witnessed, when I was out of the house, and that I wasn't fooling anyone about how badly I was being physically and mentally abused. I broke away from her about eight years ago. It is so wonderful to live without her terror. It's like I am starting life for the first time. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024 by Eddie

  • Ten Case Files Collection
Format: Hardcover
If Love Could Kill is a collection of 10 case files of women involved in violent acts that the author was involved in. The book provides a psychoanalysis of each of the 10 women and the why’s for their propensity toward violence. Cases were varied and included psychological disorders such as Munchausen’s Syndrome, Self Mutilation, and Erotomania, among others. But in the end it all comes down to the vicious cycle of the abused becoming the abuser after an endless cycle of violence. I didn’t particularly care for the book inasmuch as I was probably expecting more of a true crime type narrative. Instead, I felt like a student in a case studies class analyzing symptoms, dysfuctions, and therapies. The book eventually becomes a platform for the author promoting her political beliefs and reforms. Something that I didn’t need to read about. Two okay stars. I received a DRC from Knopf, Pantheon through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024 by C. Yamagata

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