Just finished Liars? Next up read All Fours…
If Liars left you pondering the quiet erosions of a long-term relationship and the weight of domestic expectations on women, Miranda July's All Fours picks up that thread with a fresh, audacious twist. The protagonist, much like Jane in Manguso's novel, is a creative woman navigating the imbalances of marriage and motherhood, but July infuses the story with a surreal, humorous edge that explores sexual awakening and personal freedom.
"I loved this book. I finished it and thought, "when my wife goes through perimenopause, I would so much rather she just cheat on me than do whatever the fuck was happening in this book.""— dancognito, Reddit
What makes this book particularly appealing for fans of Sarah Manguso's work is its fragmented, diary-like reflections on identity and desire, set against the backdrop of everyday life turned upside down. It's not a direct retread of marital lies, but it echoes the introspective rage and bittersweet humor, making it a natural next read for those craving more raw emotional truth wrapped in inventive storytelling.
Published in 2024, All Fours is timely in its embrace of midlife narratives often overlooked in literature, resonating with the same demographic of thoughtful women seeking validation in their resentments and aspirations. July's voice is witty and unflinching, offering catharsis without the heaviness, and it's accessible enough for book club discussions while delivering literary depth.
"This is one of my favorite books of all time and I don't think I've ever connected more with a protagonist, even though I'm a middle-aged man. I absolutely loved it and read it twice."— Tchaikovsky08, Reddit
A Bold Exploration of Reinvention
Overall, All Fours stands out as an interesting, under-the-radar gem in the wave of feminist autofiction, avoiding overplayed tropes while providing that same gut-punch of recognition. It's perfect if you're ready to trade Manguso's acerbic minimalism for something a bit more whimsical yet equally profound—a semi-famous artist's cross-country road trip that derails into a motel-bound odyssey of self-discovery and perimenopause-fueled reinvention.
