This collection of 16 short stories by Miranda July features characters who are often lonely, vulnerable, and tentative in their interactions. The stories are marked by their originality and a blend of bizarre and familiar elements. July's characters engage in awkward and sometimes inappropriate ways, reflecting their deep-seated longing for connection and belonging. The stories touch on various themes, including the use of sex to simulate closeness, the fragility of human relationships, and the child-like wonder and puzzlement with which adults respond to their surroundings[2][3][5].
The novel follows Jacques Cormery, a character closely based on Camus himself, as he searches for information about his father, Henri, who died in World War I before Jacques was born. The story delves into Jacques' childhood in poverty-stricken Algeria, his relationship with his partially deaf and mute mother, and his experiences in school. It also touches on the broader themes of colonialism, the impact of war, and the complex relationships between French and Arab communities in Algeria. The book is notable for its autobiographical nature and was published posthumously from an unedited manuscript found in the car wreckage where Camus died[1][3][5].
Miranda July's "All Fours" is a poignant and unconventional novel that explores themes of aging, mortality, and the complexities of human connection. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of an unnamed narrator grappling with her changing body and relationships. July's writing style is characterized by its intimate and often humorous approach to profound subjects. The book delves into the challenges of intergenerational friendships and the societal obsession with youth. Ultimately, "All Fours" offers a reflective and empathetic portrayal of the human experience.
In Miranda July’s new novel, “All Fours,” a 45-year-old artist embarks on a solo roadtrip to New York from her Los Angeles home. She makes it as far as Monrovia, a small town a half-hour from L.A., and waits out the rest of her trip in a motel room while pursuing an infatuation with a Hertz rental car employee. The novel, which shares similarities with July’s own life, explores themes of marital ennui, the fear of sexual irrelevance and the contours of the female midlife crisis. July grew up in Oakland and is known for her performance art, her films “Me and You and Everyone We Know” and “Kajillionaire,” and her fiction “No One Belongs Here More Than You” and “The First Bad Man.” We listen back to our May conversation with July about her new novel and why she describes it as “closer to the bone.”
Guests:
Miranda July, actor, screenwriter, director and author - She’s known for her films “Me and You and Everyone We Know” and “Kajillionaire,” and her fiction includes “No One Belongs Here More Than You” and “The First Bad Man”. Her new novel is "All Fours"
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