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NPR's Book of the Day

In 'All Fours,' Miranda July tackles love, sex and reinvention in middle age

May 28, 2024
Writer and filmmaker Miranda July explores love, sex, and reinvention in middle age through her novel 'All Fours'. She discusses the interviews she conducted with women going through perimenopause and menopause, and how her protagonist's desire for something new was fueled by a whisper network with her friends.
08:06

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Quick takeaways

  • Miranda July's novel 'All Fours' challenges societal norms around love and reinvention in middle age through a transformative road trip experience.
  • The book explores the complexities of perimenopause, shedding light on the need to understand both medical facts and personal narratives in navigating this phase.

Deep dives

Exploring Gender Roles and Change in Middle Age

The podcast episode delves into Miranda July's book 'All 4s' and its exploration of the main character's transformative road trip experience. The protagonist, a 45-year-old woman, embarks on a journey from LA to New York but stops short and stays in a motel, leading to a shift in how she fits back into her life. Themes of sex, desire, aging, and domesticity are examined, highlighting the protagonist's introspection on societal expectations and personal growth in middle age.

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