Miranda July’s debut novel The First Bad Man is an unforgettable exploration of female bodies, intimacy, and the strange ways human connection unfolds. From its offbeat humor to its raw emotional depth, the strenuously quirky book captures a unique dynamic between two women, Cheryl and Clee, whose interactions defy traditional notions of relationships and self-discovery.
1. Female Bodies in Combat: Fight Club & Intimacy
One of the most striking elements of The First Bad Man is Cheryl and Clee’s physical relationship, which begins as aggression and morphs into something far deeper. Cheryl, a reclusive and meticulous middle-aged woman, reluctantly takes in Clee, a young, brash, and unruly houseguest. Their initial animosity escalates into physical fights that feel oddly choreographed—a mix of absurdity and catharsis.
“These fights are not just acts of aggression; they’re a language.”
Through grappling and striking, Cheryl and Clee start to communicate emotions they can’t articulate. It’s primal yet layered, a raw form of interaction that Cheryl finds both terrifying and liberating. As Cheryl notes, “This wasn’t anything, just a re-creation of a simulation of the kind of thing that might happen to a woman if she didn’t keep her wits about her.” But it becomes much more. The fights strip away pretense, creating a shared vulnerability that serves as the foundation for their intimacy.
July’s portrayal of these scenes flips the script on how we think about physicality between women. While male-dominated stories often use violence as a means of domination, Cheryl and Clee’s combat is transformative. It’s a messy, unfiltered exploration of identity, power, and care. Through fighting, they literally and figuratively break down barriers, forming a bond that is hard to define but undeniably real.
2. A Feminist Reimagining of Intimacy
What makes The First Bad Man so refreshing is its refusal to conform to conventional tropes about female relationships.
“The surreal set-up is an excellent stage for examining the absurdity of certain gender norms, and July does so pithily”, wrote Maddie Crum from Huffpost.
Cheryl and Clee’s intimacy isn’t rooted in romance as we typically imagine it, nor does it strive for a traditional “happy ending.” Instead, it’s about creating a connection that’s uniquely theirs. This connection even results in an unexpected twist: Cheryl becomes deeply involved in Clee’s pregnancy, helping to raise her child in a partnership that feels unconventional yet profoundly intimate.
July’s feminist lens shines here. She dismantles the idea that women’s relationships must fit neatly into categories like friendship, romance, or rivalry. Cheryl and Clee’s bond is a tapestry of all these things, defying labels and embracing complexity. Their dynamic also challenges societal expectations of how women should behave—soft, nurturing, restrained. In their chaotic, unorthodox fights, Cheryl and Clee reclaim their agency, expressing themselves in ways that feel authentic and powerful.
Why This Book Matters
The First Bad Man isn’t just a story about two women’s relationship; it’s a meditation on how we navigate intimacy, identity, and the human need for connection. July’s writing is both hilarious and gut-wrenching, weaving together surreal moments with poignant truths. Cheryl and Clee’s journey reminds us that intimacy doesn’t have to look a certain way to be valid. Sometimes, it’s messy, chaotic, and unexpected—but it’s real.
For readers in the lesbian community, the book resonates as a celebration of queer complexity and authenticity. Its exploration of unconventional intimacy mirrors the diverse, vibrant connections that define lesbian relationships. At Eros Song, we’re not only the best lesbian sex toys designer, but we believe in embracing this same spirit of authenticity and connection. Our mission is to create spaces and products that celebrate the richness of lesbian intimacy, offering tools for self-discovery and connection, just like Cheryl and Clee find in their story.
If you’re looking for a book that challenges norms, celebrates female complexity, and leaves you laughing and thinking in equal measure, The First Bad Man is a must-read. Miranda July’s unflinching honesty and quirky storytelling make this novel an unforgettable experience. Interested? Read more book reviews here!
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