Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
This book has been on my TBR since the start of the year, and I have finally decided not to postpone reading it. I knew the author from before, as I have read ‘ Art and Lies’ during my uni days, but I cannot say that I remember much of it, unfortunately. Still, the premise of ‘Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit’ and the frequency by which this book was recommended, made me want to read this one as well. I must say that I enjoyed it quite a lot and will definitely be reading Winterston’s other work as well.
The story follows Jeanette who is adopted by a religious zealot of a mother and is trained to become a missionary for their church. However, although at first Jeanette accepts and is even enthusiastic about this life, encounters with other young women make her discover her sexuality and want to discover her freedom and a different life is born in her. Although the author in my edition of the book claims this is not a straight up memoir, this is a story of the life of a young, religious woman who is trying to connect all elements of her identity.
The novel is divided into several chapters, each named after a passage in the Bible, which ties perfectly to the overall theme of the novel. Unfortunately, I am not that well versed in the Bible to fully understand why the specific names were given, but I am sure that Winterston had her reasons on why she had done so. Additionally to her story of growing up in such an environment, Winterson also includes fables, fairy tales, myths and legends into the story, which I must admit sometimes did fly over my head, but were still a joy to read. They were essentially retellings of Jeanette’s feelings told in this new world that she could run away to when the ‘real’ life gets too much. In some chapters, she also includes elements of postmodernism. I later found out she has other works in that genre and I’m looking forward to them.
Winterson’s style is straightforward and enjoyable, but it is also accessible. Her thoughts are clear and well organized, even if the story is traumatic and at times horrific. At parts, she is almost clinical, separated from the spiritual and domestic abuse she had endured because of her sexuality. Winterson is also a skilled author who can change the style between more contemporary and modern to a more lyrical and magical when in her fairy tale elements.
This is not an easy book to read, not so much in the sense of writing style, which I did find very accessible and understandable, but due to the themes and topics of the story. Jeanette’s mother is neglectful of her, and at times abusive and I found it particularly hard to read about what the protagonist deems acceptable and normal, as taught by her mother. Although the narrator did not always recognize it as such, reading about abuse is definitely not fun, but it is important. Whether all the elements, events and stories in this book are from the author’s real life or whether some artistic freedom was used, this is still a compelling story of sexuality, religion, family, seeking identity and freedom in a particular setting. Winterston is a powerful voice in the literary space, and I am very glad I was peer pressured into purchasing and reading this incredible book.
I have rated this novel 5/5.
The story follows Jeanette who is adopted by a religious zealot of a mother and is trained to become a missionary for their church. However, although at first Jeanette accepts and is even enthusiastic about this life, encounters with other young women make her discover her sexuality and want to discover her freedom and a different life is born in her. Although the author in my edition of the book claims this is not a straight up memoir, this is a story of the life of a young, religious woman who is trying to connect all elements of her identity.
The novel is divided into several chapters, each named after a passage in the Bible, which ties perfectly to the overall theme of the novel. Unfortunately, I am not that well versed in the Bible to fully understand why the specific names were given, but I am sure that Winterston had her reasons on why she had done so. Additionally to her story of growing up in such an environment, Winterson also includes fables, fairy tales, myths and legends into the story, which I must admit sometimes did fly over my head, but were still a joy to read. They were essentially retellings of Jeanette’s feelings told in this new world that she could run away to when the ‘real’ life gets too much. In some chapters, she also includes elements of postmodernism. I later found out she has other works in that genre and I’m looking forward to them.
Winterson’s style is straightforward and enjoyable, but it is also accessible. Her thoughts are clear and well organized, even if the story is traumatic and at times horrific. At parts, she is almost clinical, separated from the spiritual and domestic abuse she had endured because of her sexuality. Winterson is also a skilled author who can change the style between more contemporary and modern to a more lyrical and magical when in her fairy tale elements.
This is not an easy book to read, not so much in the sense of writing style, which I did find very accessible and understandable, but due to the themes and topics of the story. Jeanette’s mother is neglectful of her, and at times abusive and I found it particularly hard to read about what the protagonist deems acceptable and normal, as taught by her mother. Although the narrator did not always recognize it as such, reading about abuse is definitely not fun, but it is important. Whether all the elements, events and stories in this book are from the author’s real life or whether some artistic freedom was used, this is still a compelling story of sexuality, religion, family, seeking identity and freedom in a particular setting. Winterston is a powerful voice in the literary space, and I am very glad I was peer pressured into purchasing and reading this incredible book.
I have rated this novel 5/5.
Comments
Post a Comment