Critical Readings June

At our Critical Readings event, we will be looking at the brand new novel 'All Fours' by Miranda July

We are huge fans of July's work, from her artwork, to films, short stoies and novels. So we are very excited to explore this new mind bending reality.

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A semi-famous artist announces her plan to drive cross-country from LA to NY. Thirty minutes after leaving her husband and child at home, she spontaneously exits the freeway, beds down in a nondescript motel and immerses herself in a temporary reinvention that turns out to be the start of an entirely different journey.

Miranda July's second novel confirms the brilliance of her unique approach to fiction.
With July's wry voice, perfect comic timing, unabashed curiosity about human intimacy and palpable delight in pushing boundaries, All Fours tells the story of one woman's quest for a new kind of freedom. Part absurd entertainment, part tender reinvention of the sexual, romantic and domestic life of a 45-year-old female artist, All Fours transcends expectations while excavating our beliefs about life lived as a woman.

Once again, July hijacks the familiar and turns it into something new and thrillingly, profoundly alive.

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We will be discussing the novel in relation to contemporary literary theories around affect and emotion as well as July's entire back catalogue. These texts will be available to browse on the night and related critical work will be emailed to attendees ahead of the event.

There will also be plenty of time to hang out, chat and exchange book recommendations.

The ticket price is inclusive of further reading materials and the novel will be available to purchase from Lark Books as of publication on 16th May.

Coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks and pastries will be available to purchase on the night.

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Praise for 'All Fours';

A 2024 BOOK OF THE YEAR PICK FOR BBC R4 OPEN BOOK, THE OBSERVER, GQ, GRAZIA, HERO, I-D, NYLON

This is a gut-punch of a novel, a must-read for every woman nearing or over forty, confronting the malaise of midlife, fertility, marriage, and menopause, packaged in July's delirious style.5 stars. -Lit Hub

A frank and delirious ode to love in all its forms… just as brilliantly funny and strangely touching as you might expect. -Vogue

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lark Books, 4 Saltergate, Lincoln, United Kingdom