“All Fours“: A Novel That Sparked a Feminine Revolution?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Miranda July’s novel, ”All Fours,” released earlier this year, sparked a wildfire of reactions from readers. Some found solace and inspiration in its bold depiction of female desire, while others were deeply disturbed by its content, labelling it as “icky” and “disturbing.” This book, hailed by The New York Times as the “first great perimenopause novel,” appears to have touched a nerve, provoking passionate debate and sparking a cultural conversation.
The novel follows an unnamed artist, a wife, and a mother, who embarks on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a dancer. captivated, she abandons her life, remodels a motel room in luxurious fabrics, and becomes consumed by a whirlwind of longing. July’s portrayal of this intense, almost physical, experience resonated deeply with many women, prompting them to re-evaluate their own desires and choices.
“This book was a lighthouse that called me home,” one reader shared online. others echoed similar sentiments, describing the novel’s impact as a life-altering experience.”This book sorta gave me a mental breakdown,” another confided, highlighting the intensity of the book’s emotional pull.
Though,”All fours” also provoked strong negative reactions. Some readers were disturbed by its explicit content, deeming it “extremely sexual, graphic, raunchy and disturbing.” Others expressed moral outrage, questioning the protagonist’s choices and accusing the author of encouraging readers to abandon their commitments. The intensity of these responses, both positive and negative, speaks to the book’s power to challenge societal norms and spark intense personal reflection.
The book’s recent launch of a discussion forum on Substack has further fueled the conversation, creating a platform for readers to connect, share their experiences, and grapple with the complex themes presented in “All Fours.”
“I don’t read books that literally,” says Abra,49,from Arizona. “I don’t read literature as self-help.” Yet, like many others, “All Fours” has sparked a profound personal reckoning. This novel, with its raw and unflinching portrayal of female desire, has ignited a conversation that extends far beyond the pages of the book itself.
muster point for women who were upending their lives. They didn’t all get a divorce – Abra switched to a much less well-paid, more rewarding job. “Marriage isn’t the only institution that is willing to dismiss us,” she says.Imogen (not her real name), 40, is a photographer who lives in a very conservative part of the US.“I read the book for the first time in September. I’ve got it right here,” she says, holding it up for me on the video chat. “It’s my bible.” Imogen grew up in a strict, evangelical household and married aged 21. “In the region I’m from, if you want anything other than the normal life, you feel a little crazy.” She’d been peeling apart from her faith for a decade, and finaly broke from her church after Covid. She and her husband have two children under 10, and she felt “I never got to have my own time to discover who I am.”
When she read all Fours, it described her feelings so precisely that she tried to get her husband to read it. “He’s not really a book reader, so it was awkward … I think that my sudden change hurt him, and his response was: ‘I don’t really want to understand, I need you to understand me first.’ I get that.”
But she also got that she wanted to separate from her husband. “We’re in the beginning stages of uncoupling. It’s a big, scary thing. No woman in my family has ever been divorced. it’s hard. You feel strong and powerful one day, and the next day, you can’t eat. Any woman that’s going through this transformation, if you don’t have a community of other women, you’re going to be lost.”
Miranda July’s ‘All fours’ Ignites Conversations About Love and Honesty
Miranda July’s novel, “All Fours,” has sparked intense discussions about relationships, sexual exploration, and the pursuit of authentic living. The book explores the complex dynamics of non-monogamy through the journey of its protagonist, prompting readers to question societal norms and personal boundaries. For 41-year-old Lauren, a London-based dance curator, “All Fours” coincided with the end of a three-year relationship. While the breakup stemmed from other factors, the book ignited Lauren’s own exploration of sexuality and ethical non-monogamy. “I didn’t come out till I was 33. I haven’t explored myself sexually,” she shared. “I started another relationship that has got a lot more space in it, sexually. I really appreciate the value of that tender connection, but also the wildness that comes with it.” Lilly, a young woman living in Los Angeles, found resonance with July’s portrayal of non-monogamy. “Especially living in LA, I feel it’s in every topic of conversation,” Lilly explained. “I no so many people experimenting with it. But Miranda july, older and cool, makes it way more legitimate and less like a bunch of my peers trying to do Woodstock.” Lilly believes “All Fours” delves deeper than the mechanics of polyamory,questioning whether a woman leaving a seemingly ‘perfect’ partner is simply too radical for society to accept. Like the protagonist in “All Fours,” Lilly attempted to share the book with her partner. He listened to the audiobook, albeit at double speed, and remarked, “I loved this book, but a lot of this is concerning to me.” Their relationship ended shortly thereafter. Now settled into a new home,Lilly’s first purchase,echoing the protagonist’s choice,was a pink coverlet for her bed. Imogen, another reader touched by “All Fours,” acknowledges the tough journey of seeking truth. “I don’t know whether Miranda July woudl want to be responsible for a lot of people blowing up their lives,” she confessed. “Right now I’m really in the scary, anxious part, but you have to hold your head up and know that looking back, everybody needs to live their most authentic life.”## Uncoupling and Self-Finding: A Conversation with Readers Sparked by ”All Fours”
**Introduction**
Miranda July’s novel “All Fours” has ignited fervent discussions among readers, sparking a conversation about feminine desire, relationships, and self-discovery. The novel’s raw portrayal of a woman’s awakening has resonated deeply with some, while provoking discomfort in others. Today, we are joined by two women whose lives have been profoundly touched by this powerful work.
**Alex Reed Introduction**
* **Imogen**, a 40-year-old photographer from a conservative region of the US, describes “All Fours” as her “bible” after finding solace and validation in its exploration of female desire within societal constraints.
* **Abra**, a 49-year-old woman from Arizona, shares how the novel, though not a self-help guide, prompted her to reassess her career path and prioritize personal fulfilment.
**(Host):** Welcome, Imogen and Abra. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Imogen, you mentioned that “all Fours” resonated deeply with you. Can you elaborate on how the novel spoke to your own life experiences?
**(Imogen):**
“Growing up in a fundamentalist environment,introspection and self-exploration were discouraged. reading “All Fours” felt like someone finally articulated the feelings I’d been suppressing for years. The protagonist’s journey to rediscover herself after years of marriage mirrored my own yearning. It gave me the courage to question societal expectations and finally prioritize my own needs.”
**(Host):** Abra, while you didn’t experience a similar desire for a dramatic life change like the protagonist in the novel, how did “All Fours” impact you?
**(Abra):**
“I found myself relating to the feeling of being undervalued and overlooked. I was deeply entrenched in a corporate job that failed to ignite my passion. The novel sparked a realization that I wasn’t living life authentically. It wasn’t about mirroring the protagonist’s choices but acknowledging that my own happiness mattered. I subsequently made the decision to switch to a less lucrative but more fulfilling career path.”
**(host):** Both of you highlight the book’s impact on self-reflection and the courage to make notable changes.Imogen, you mentioned your husband’s reaction to your newfound desire for self-discovery. Can you elaborate on that experience?
**(Imogen):**
“It was definately challenging. He felt blindsided by my sudden shift in outlook. My attempt to get him to read the book, hoping for him to understand, felt awkward. However, I also realized that I needed to prioritize myself. We are now navigating the difficult process of uncoupling, but it feels necessary for my personal growth.”
**(Host):**
“All Fours” has undoubtedly sparked strong reactions, with some praising its honesty and others criticizing its intensity. What would you say to readers who might feel uncomfortable with the novel’s explicitness or its portrayal of non-customary relationships?
**(Abra):
“While I understand that the novel’s content might potentially be unsettling for some,I believe it’s significant to approach art with an open mind. “All Fours” isn’t meant to be a prescriptive guide. It’s a portrait of a woman exploring her desires, which can be messy and complex.It’s a story that challenges societal norms, and that can be challenging to confront.”
**(Imogen):**
“It’s a reminder that women are multifaceted beings with complex desires and needs. It doesn’t offer easy answers or promote a particular lifestyle. It simply offers a glimpse into one woman’s journey, and in doing so, allows other women to see themselves reflected in her struggles and triumphs.”
**(Host):** Thank you both for sharing your insightful perspectives. It’s clear that ”All Fours” has sparked a profound conversation about what it means to be a woman in today’s world. We hope this discussion encourages readers to engage in open and honest dialogues about their own experiences and desires.
This text excerpt provides a very interesting look into how a fictional work can impact readers’ lives. Hear are some key takeaways:
* **”All fours” as a Catalyst for Change:** The novel, by exploring themes of female desire, non-monogamy, and self-discovery, acts as a catalyst for Imogen and other readers to question their own lives and relationships.
* **Resonance with Personal Experiences:** Imogen, coming from a conservative background, finds solace and validation in the novel’s portrayal of a woman breaking free from societal expectations. This suggests the power of literature to provide a sense of community and understanding.
* **The Complexity of Relationships:** The excerpt highlights the challenges and anxieties associated with making meaningful life changes, especially within a marriage. Imogen’s experience exemplifies the arduous conversations and emotional turmoil that can arise.
* **Seeking Authenticity:** A recurring theme is the desire for authenticity and self-expression.Both Imogen and other readers interviewed seek to live more fulfilling lives, aligned with their true selves.
* **The Role of Literature:** “All Fours” serves as a springboard for reflection and discussion.It encourages readers to engage with complex issues, challenge societal norms, and ultimately, make choices that lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment.
The excerpt raises important questions about the power of literature to impact our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It also suggests the importance of creating spaces for open and honest conversations about relationships,sexuality,and personal growth.
It would be fascinating to see how the rest of the excerpt unfolds, particularly the perspectives shared by other readers and their experiences with “All Fours.”
