The First Bad Man

Reviews / Votes

Perpetually surprising and subversive: first, funny, then strange and, finally, emotionally devastating * * Guardian * * A masterpiece * * Dazed * * The novel exploded my expectations and became unlike anything I've ever read . . . hilarious . . . A wry, smart companion on any day. It's warm, it has a heartbeat and a pulse. This is a book that is painfully alive * * The New York Times Book Review * * Astounding . . . she will make you laugh, cringe and recognise yourself in a woman you never planned to be . . . Never has a novel spoken so deeply to my sexuality, my spirituality, my secret self. I know I am not alone -- LENA DUNHAM I am in awe of Miranda July . . . The First Bad Man brings together all of July's talents - it's a book that must be read, a book that must be purchased - in duplicate - one for you, one for a friend. Don't think you can loan this book - you'll never get it back -- A. M. HOMES * * author of THIS BOOK WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE and MAY WE BE FORGIVEN * * Miranda July's heroine in this unforgettable novel is one of the most original, most confounding and strangely sympathetic characters . . . This novel is almost impossible to put down, and confirms July as a novelist of the first order -- DAVE EGGERS July's storytelling skills crackle to life * * New York Times * * If I ever start to doubt the power of language and intelligence, I only have to read a few lines of July to have my faith restored -- GEORGE SAUNDERS * * author of TENTH OF DECEMBER * * The first novel by the filmmaker and artist Miranda July is like one of those strange mythological creatures that are part one thing, part another - a griffin or a chimera, perhaps, or a sphinx . . . An immensely moving portrait of motherhood and what it means to take care of a child . . . July writes of Cheryl's discovery of maternal love with heartfelt emotion and power -- Michiko Kakutani * * New York Times * * A book that I love. It is heartbreakingly sad, and thoughtful, and disgusting and hilarious -- Eva Wiseman * * Observer * *