Book Review: "All Fours" by Miranda July
Title: All Fours
Author: Miranda July
Publisher: Riverhead
Publication Date: May 15, 2024
Length: 336 pages
Price: $29
Miranda July’s novel "All Fours" explores the midlife journey of an unnamed, affluent Los Angeles artist. Known for her early fame and cross-genre work, the protagonist confronts her life's trajectory following a provocative remark from her husband at a cocktail party. He categorizes people as either "parkers" or "drivers," stinging her with the description of being "disappointed."
Deciding against flying to upcoming engagements in New York, she embarks on a cross-country road trip, only to quickly find herself detouring into introspection and checking into a cheap motel. What unfolds is a richly emotional narrative that delves into her emotional and physical struggles, including the impact of her child’s traumatic birth and her creative block.
In the motel, she attempts to rejuvenate her inspiration but ends up decorating the room lavishly and befriending a local man named Davy, which brings up further reflections on her marriage and desires. Conversations with other women about fertility, menopause, and sexual desire offer nuanced insights into female midlife experiences.
"All Fours" is portrayed as a bawdy, emotionally rich story, aiming to redefine midlife crises for women. July encapsulates themes of motherhood, marital expectations, and personal renewal, making it a vivid exploration of middle-aged femininity.