This autobiography lends a sneak peek into Winterson's childhood and psyche. Through her lyrical prose she recollects the specific incidents in her past that befuddled her, killed her, and rebirthed her. Even though these incidents are piteous, she does not intentionally inspire pity. She narrates from a distance, rationalizing and yet at the same time, she does not shy away from exposing her sore spots. She is wise enough to know of her longing, her desire to belong, and how she may have spent her life and may still be in search of that. She is not overtly making a point in this autobiography - she doesn't pretend to be a triumphant survivor or a pitiful orphan; she is just being who she is and telling her story to those who care to read about it. Brilliant read this.