Miranda July’s Influence on Emma Jane Unsworth’s ‘Slags’

Emma Jane Unsworth, the award-winning author of ‘Animals’ and ‘Adults’, returns with her latest novel, ‘Slags,’ a bold exploration of sisterhood, memory, and female identity. This interview delves into the themes of her new book, Unsworth’s creative process, and the impact of social media on women’s self-image. Furthermore, we will discuss the influence of filmmakers and authors like Miranda July.

Unsworth’s novel, ‘Slags’ follows two estranged sisters on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, confronting buried resentments and unspoken expectations. The narrative alternates between a fourteen-year-old’s diary entries and the reflections of her forty-something narrator, probing the evolution of identity over time. This conversation explores the core themes of sisterhood, identity, and the power of language.

From her previous novels exploring female friendships to her upcoming film and television projects, Unsworth’s work consistently engages with the complexities of modern womanhood. This interview will further uncover how her personal experiences, including a recent diagnosis of autism and ADHD, have shaped her creative process. Read on to discover insights into ‘Slags,’ Unsworth’s literary journey, and the potential parallels between her work and that of Miranda July.

Unsworth’s New Book Slags

Award-winning author Emma Jane Unsworth has returned with Slags. This bold and emotional new novel explores fractured sisterhood, the power of memory, and the evolution of female identity from adolescence to middle age. In her eagerly anticipated novel, Unsworth follows two estranged sisters on a reluctant road trip through Scotland’s windswept Highlands. Alternating between the raw honesty of a fourteen-year-old’s diary entries and the reflective voice of her forty-something narrator, Slags probes how memory, language, and identity change over time.

Unsworth first stumbled upon the novel’s seed when she unearthed a library of teenage journals during a recent visit to her parents’ home in Manchester. “Reading my fourteen-year-old self was a revelation,” she admits. “I sounded fearless.” This contrast between youthful certainty and adult self-doubt forms the backbone of Slags. At the novel’s centre are two sisters, once inseparable, now estranged. Forced together in a cramped camper van, traversing Scottish glens and heathered moors, they confront long-buried resentments and the unspoken expectations that fractured their bond. “Sisterhood is the ultimate laboratory for intense relationships,” Unsworth explains. “They know exactly how to hurt each other, but also how to heal.” This volatile dynamic drives the emotion throughout Slags, a novel as much about the bruising intimacy of sibling relationships as it is about the search for identity.

Half road trip, half coming-of-age story, Slags is also a meditation on the power of words. The title is a bold act of reclamation. “It was such an insult – especially growing up in the ’90s,” Unsworth said. “That word would haunt me. I wanted to reclaim it, to strip its power to wound and invite readers to think about the force of language.”

Exploring Themes of Sisterhood and Identity

In ‘Slags,’ Unsworth delves deep into the complexities of sisterhood, portraying the intense and often turbulent dynamics between siblings. The novel uses the road trip setting to force the estranged sisters to confront their past and the unspoken expectations that have strained their relationship. Unsworth highlights how sisters can be both each other’s greatest support and source of pain, perfectly capturing the duality of such a close bond. This exploration aligns with similar themes found in Miranda July’s work, which often examines the intricacies and vulnerabilities within interpersonal relationships. Both authors fearlessly explore the messy, often unspoken aspects of human connection.

Furthermore, ‘Slags’ explores the evolution of female identity from adolescence to middle age, contrasting the youthful certainty of a fourteen-year-old with the self-doubt of a forty-something narrator. This exploration of identity and self-discovery is a recurring theme in Unsworth’s novels, as well as in the films and books of Miranda July. Both artists use their characters to interrogate societal expectations and the pressures placed on women. They both invite their audience to reflect on their own experiences of growing up and navigating the complexities of womanhood.

Unsworth’s reclamation of the word ‘Slags’ is a powerful statement on the force of language and its ability to wound. By reclaiming the term, she challenges readers to reconsider its meaning and strip away its power to insult. This act of linguistic reclamation mirrors July’s work, which often subverts expectations and challenges conventional norms. Both authors encourage their audience to think critically about the language they use and the impact it has on themselves and others.

Previous Novels

Unsworth’s previous novels, Animals and Adults, also explored the emotional layers of female friendship, identity, and social pressure. “My friendships are the longest relationships of my life and the most complex, durable, and heartbreaking,” she said. “Some of my biggest heartbreaks haven’t been over romantic partners. They’ve been over friends.” Readers of Adults will recognise Unsworth’s talent for interrogating how social media distorts identity. When asked how online cultures shape women’s self-image today, she expressed concern about the narrowing standards of beauty and success. “It’s often just about presenting quite a narrow band of what’s beautiful, what’s fun, what’s clever, what’s successful,” she noted. “There are still few ways for women to feel beautiful.”

Social Media and Identity

Unsworth’s concern about the narrowing standards of beauty and success presented by social media highlights the pressures women face in constructing their self-image. This theme is prevalent in her previous work and is also mirrored in Miranda July’s explorations of identity in the digital age. Both artists challenge the curated and often unrealistic portrayals of life online, urging women to resist conforming to these narrow standards. They address the performative nature of social media and how it impacts women’s sense of self-worth.

Unsworth’s interrogation of how social media distorts identity resonates with July’s commentary on the isolation and alienation that can arise from constant digital engagement. Both artists acknowledge the potential for social media to connect people but also highlight its darker side, including the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona. They urge their audiences to cultivate a sense of self that is independent of social media validation and to seek authentic connections in the real world.

Moreover, Unsworth’s exploration of social media’s impact on women’s self-image extends to the discussion of beauty standards and the limited ways women are allowed to feel beautiful. This issue aligns with July’s subversion of traditional beauty ideals and her celebration of the unconventional. Both artists encourage women to embrace their individuality and to challenge the narrow definition of beauty imposed by society and social media. They encourage women to resist conforming to these standards and to celebrate their unique qualities.

Beyond the Books

Outside of her novels, Unsworth has been expanding her creative work in film and television. She is currently adapting Slags for the screen and developing a new show titled Cheats, which explores the fallout of a friendship between two women in their forties whose daughters form a surprising bond. “It’s about how the next generation can compel us to confront and perhaps repair past wounds,”. Unsworth revealed that last year, she was diagnosed with autism and ADHD and how this has helped her understand her creative process. “I swing between craving noise and needing absolute silence,” she reflects. “Both feed different parents of my creativity”.

Chatting with the Brighton-based author, she revealed that Slags was a decade in the making. With her trademark blend of wit, emotional clarity, and insight into female relationships, Slags is a fierce and funny addition to Emma Jane Unsworth’s growing literary repertoire and a timely reminder that language, like relationships, is always ours to redefine.

The Influence of Miranda July

While Unsworth’s unique voice and perspective are undeniable, subtle echoes of Miranda July’s influence can be detected in her work. Both artists share an interest in exploring the complexities of human relationships, especially female friendships, and the challenges of navigating modern life. July’s films and books often focus on characters who are outsiders, searching for connection and meaning in a world that can feel alienating. This theme resonates with Unsworth’s exploration of identity and belonging in her novels.

Both Unsworth and July embrace a distinctive blend of humor and emotional honesty in their work. They are not afraid to explore uncomfortable or taboo subjects, and they often use humor to disarm their audience and make difficult themes more accessible. This approach allows them to engage with their audience on a deeper level and to spark meaningful conversations about important social issues. The film ‘Kajillionaire’ by Miranda July highlights these themes, by showing the intricacies of an unconventional family.

Ultimately, Emma Jane Unsworth has crafted a compelling and thought-provoking novel that stands on its own merits. However, recognizing the potential influence of artists like Miranda July allows for a deeper appreciation of the themes and artistic choices that define her unique voice.

Conclusion

Emma Jane Unsworth’s ‘Slags’ offers a fierce and funny exploration of sisterhood, memory, and female identity. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the evolution of self, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences. Unsworth’s work stands as a testament to her talent for interrogating social norms and challenging conventional thinking.

The conversation with Emma Jane Unsworth reveals not only the inspiration and creative process behind ‘Slags’ but also the broader themes that define her literary repertoire. Her exploration of female friendship, social media’s impact, and the power of language resonates with contemporary readers. Recognizing potential influences, such as Miranda July, allows for a deeper understanding of the artistic landscape that shapes Unsworth’s work.

As Unsworth continues to expand her creative work in film and television, her voice will undoubtedly remain a vital force in contemporary art. ‘Slags’ is a timely reminder that language and relationships are always ours to redefine, encouraging us to challenge norms and embrace our own unique identities. Unsworth’s exploration of modern womanhood is a reminder to embrace our own unique qualities. ‘Slags’ is a significant addition to Unsworth’s growing body of work and a testament to her insight into the human condition.