Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
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Book Reviews of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Book Review: I don't get what is so great about this book
Summary: 2 Stars
I read this book because everyone says it's a classic of lesbian literature. I don't see how it's a classic of anything. The story isn't very interesting and, except for near the end, it's hardly lesbian. Maybe it was all of the religious overtones, but I struggled through it. Some of it was hard to grasp for someone who isn't English, although I think I have better than a passing knowledge of life over there. It just didn't strike me as a very good book, but now I can say I read it.Book Review: Didn't really strike my fancy
Summary: 3 Stars
Unfortunately, I think a lot of the references in the novel were lost upon me because the Ms. Winterson's use of language and locations that are unfamiliar to me as an American (the novel takes place in England). In addition, Ms. Winterson' tale of coming to grips with her sexual orientation while being brought up in a religious family seems like old hat to me. However, my guess is that that story was somewhat groundbreaking when it was first published in 1985.Book Review: Coming Out
Summary: 5 Stars
A girl faces the problem of coming out to her conservative family, along with their reactions to her less-than-traditional sexuality.
Book Review: Great introduction to Winterson
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not "Well of Loneliness" (Radcliffe Hall) and for that we can all be grateful. Book Review: An Unwritten Story
Summary: 3 Stars
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit courageously tackles a topic not addressed often enough in real literature; the struggle between one's family and self as sexuality develops contrary to "normal" expectations. Jeanette Winterson deftly paints the story of a young girl's travails as she comes out to her devoutly evangelical mother with humor and pathos. The characters are all too real, especially to anyone with a background in deeply Christian communities.
Winterson is an adept enough storyteller, however, her narration leaves something to be desired. The fairytales interspersed with the main storyline are interesting and add a magical, childlike touch to the story, but aren't fully integrated into the novel. As a result, they distract from the book rather than further developing it. This novel is a good first effort and a worthwhile read, but not quite a literary marvel.