ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT by Jeanette Winterson

ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT by Jeanette Winterson

Winterson, J. (1987). Oranges are not the only fruit. New York, N.Y: Atlantic Monthly Press.

GENRE: GLBT – Fiction

ANNOTATION: A young girl is adopted and dedicated to God by her strict Evangelical parents, raising her to become a missionary. However, as she comes of age, she comes to terms with her unorthodox sexuality, believed to be unnatural passions by everyone around her.

SUMMARY: Jeanette is adopted at a young age by her strict Evangelical mother and shadow of a father who’ve dedicated her to God and plan to raise a young missionary. She spent most of her childhood rereading the Bible and classics like “Jane Eyre,” listening to her mother’s ravings about the breeding grounds of public schools. However, as she comes of age, she realizes her unorthodox sexuality and her preference for the same sex. Believed to be unnatural passions by everyone around her, Jeanette must come to terms with her sexuality and find what it means for her life and her God. She must face the repercussions of her open sexuality with the people in her life who call themselves God’s servants while wrestling with her own understanding of God and manifestations of religion.

EVALUATION: 3 - This odd and quirky novel seems to amble a bit however it builds a strong understanding of the characters and their unique beliefs and situations. It also makes light of a heavy topic. The book is filled with Biblical references and allusions as the theme runs through the entire book as Jeanette wrestles with her faith and the God of those condemning her.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Though considered fiction, this is a retelling of the author’s own story.