Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit / Jeanette Winterson - 3***

[Book Concierge]

(Actually read this in July)


Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit – Jeanette Winterson
Audible audiobook read by the author
3***

Winterson’s semi-autobiographical debut novel has a protagonist who is also named Jeanette. She’s the adopted child of a fervent believer in an evangelical church, and is being raised to become an evangelical preacher. But Jeaneatte is attracted to girls, and this is viewed by her mother, her pastor and followers of her church as a sign that she is possessed of demons and cannot possibly be trusted to “speak the truth.” Her struggles to balance her faith, her love of God and her budding sexuality form the basis of the story.

Winterson’s novel is a glimpse at one teenager’s path out of childhood and into adulthood. Oh, the angst of teen years! The confusion and questions that adults don’t seem to want to answer (heck, they don’t want you to even ask), the emotional roller coaster of attraction vs guilt. The first time one realizes that other people – people who seem like perfectly nice people – live differently that one’s own family.

First published in 1985, I can see why it became so popular. But I’m long past this stage of life and I’ve read many books treating coming-of-age, including those featuring LGBTQ characters. I thought it was fine for its genre, but not particularly memorable to me.

The author narrates the audio version herself, and does a fine job of it.




My full review HERE

[Meli]

Ever since I read Frankissstein: A Love Story I have been anxious to read more Winterson, I just haven't found one that has grabbed me.

Based on your review of this one, it won't be my next Winterson either. At least, it won't climb high enough on the tbr to get to it anytime soon.