Fresh Air Episode Summary: Miranda July Wants Women To Read Their Inner Lives In 'All Fours'

Introduction

In the December 19, 2024 episode of NPR's Fresh Air, host Terry Gross engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed writer and filmmaker Miranda July about her latest novel, All Fours. The episode delves deep into the novel's exploration of a woman's midlife crisis, fears surrounding perimenopause, and the complexities of personal transformation. Through intimate dialogue, July shares her inspirations, personal experiences, and the societal pressures that influenced her storytelling.

Writing All Fours: Themes and Inspirations

All Fours has garnered critical acclaim, securing spots on numerous best-of-the-year lists, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. The novel centers on a 45-year-old woman grappling with midlife changes, fear of losing her libido, and the anxiety of being perceived as "old." Terry Gross introduces the book as a blend of humor and poignancy, highlighting its dual perspective on the possibilities and costs of starting over.

The Fear of Portraying Perimenopause and Women's Aging

Miranda July candidly discusses her initial fears about writing All Fours. She was apprehensive about how readers would perceive her exploration of perimenopause and a woman's inner turmoil during midlife. At [03:15], July reveals, “I think fear in general was also why I wrote the book... I wanted to not write about that because so many women I admired... focused on important subjects.” However, her interactions with women and health professionals led her to realize that addressing perimenopause was intrinsically linked to broader societal issues.

Societal Pressures on Women Regarding Aging

The conversation touches on societal expectations for women to conceal their age. At [04:26], July expresses frustration, saying, “We shouldn't have to reinforce the idea that a woman getting older is a really terrible thing.” She emphasizes the importance of women owning their age and challenges the notion that aging diminishes a woman's value or attractiveness.

Co-Parenting and Personal Life Influences on the Novel

July opens up about her personal life, particularly her transition from being married to co-parenting with her ex-husband. At [13:25], she shares, “It was like an ongoing conversation with my husband... figuring out what exactly had to change and what could stay the same.” This delicate balance of maintaining family stability while embracing personal growth mirrors the protagonist's journey in All Fours.

Raising a Non-Binary Child and Its Reflection in the Book

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around July's experience as a parent to a non-binary child. At [24:55], she explains how her child's identity influenced the novel: “The child in the book is non-binary... I just went with they them.” This decision underscores the book's themes of identity and the fluidity of personal transformation. July emphasizes the importance of respecting a child's self-identification and the delicate balance of parental support without imposing one's own views.

Miranda July's Formative Years and Influence on Her Work

Exploring her past, July recounts her involvement in the punk scene during her teenage years. At [32:19], she reflects, “The thing that drew me to punk... it was an all-ages scene... I put my first plays on in a punk club.” This early exposure to a creative and unstructured environment fostered her unique narrative style and independent spirit, which are evident in her writing and filmmaking.

Experiences in the Punk Scene and Peep Show Jobs

July candidly discusses her unconventional jobs, including working at a peep show to support herself early in her career. At [34:02], she shares, “One of us is going to have to strip... that's how I started.” While initially viewing it as a means to an end, July reflects on the complexities of performing and the blurred lines between reality and exhibitionism. This experience provided her with profound insights into human sexuality and the performative aspects of identity.

Reader Reactions and Themes

The novel has resonated deeply with readers, many of whom have shared how All Fours mirrors their own inner lives. At [40:05], July mentions, “Women who while they were reading the book felt kind of exposed... they felt like they weren't alone.” Readers have praised the book for its honest portrayal of midlife struggles, creating a sense of community and validation for those experiencing similar feelings.

Conclusion

Miranda July's All Fours serves as a poignant exploration of midlife anxieties, personal transformation, and the societal pressures faced by women. Through her candid conversation on Fresh Air, July not only sheds light on the novel's themes but also offers a window into her own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The episode underscores the universal quest for identity and the courage required to embrace change, making All Fours a compelling addition to contemporary literature.

Notable Quotes

• Miranda July on Fear and Writing:
  “I think fear in general was also why I wrote the book... I wanted to not write about that because so many women I admired... focused on important subjects.”
  [03:15]

• July on Owning Age:
  “We shouldn't have to reinforce the idea that a woman getting older is a really terrible thing.”
  [04:26]

• On Co-Parenting and Change:
  “It was like an ongoing conversation with my husband... figuring out what exactly had to change and what could stay the same.”
  [13:25]

• Regarding Her Non-Binary Child:
  “The child in the book is non-binary... I just went with they them.”
  [24:55]

• Experiences in the Punk Scene:
  “The thing that drew me to punk... it was an all-ages scene... I put my first plays on in a punk club.”
  [32:19]

• On Working at a Peep Show:
  “One of us is going to have to strip... that's how I started.”
  [34:02]

• Reader Reactions:
  “Women who while they were reading the book felt kind of exposed... they felt like they weren't alone.”
  [40:05]

This comprehensive discussion on Fresh Air provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of Miranda July's All Fours, the personal and societal themes it tackles, and the real-life experiences that shaped its creation.