All Fours is a 2024 novel by Miranda July. The novel follows a 45-year-old perimenopausal woman who, after having an extramarital affair during a road trip, has a sexual awakening. According to literary review aggregator site Book Marks, the majority of 21 critics' reviews are "Rave". The novel was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award.
I couldn’t put it down. Even though the main character does some very morally questionable things I still found myself rooting for her. She embodies struggles that we all have and I really found myself rooting for her by the end. At times the book felt like a train wreck I couldn’t look away from. However, I kept coming back because the book is written with a lot of style and heart.
What a shock to see that midlife menopausal crisis reflected in such startling accuracy and sympathy. Gorgeous and hilarious
Meh
I devoured this, partly because I loved it and partly because I couldn't stop thinking about it. it kind of fucked me up for a bit, honestly. I want more books about periomenopause, and also women writing about aging and desireability, choosing a life
Unpredictable. Fascinating explorations of intimacy and more.
Content warning mild spoilers about theme, not plot; curse words
Until now, I have stayed away from Miranda July's work because of her public persona. I didn't think her art would be for me, produced by this twee, quirky LA artiste.
But boy has All Fours proved me wrong. Maybe it's because I am a woman in a similar stage of life as Miranda's protagonist, who lived through or is about to live through some of the things she describes.
Without providing too many spoilers, this is a book about Gen X and Millenial women who are starting to deal with the implications of perimenopause on their bodies, and in turn, their identities as sexual beings.
To put it bluntly, we don't look old (thanks to sunscreens and a regular pilates practice) younger people still find us fuckable, but our hormones are waiting to betray our libido at every turn.
