49 pages • 1 hour read
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
England • 1960s
1985
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson is a semi-autobiographical novel about Jeanette, who is adopted into a Pentecostal Evangelist household. As she matures, she grapples with her sexual identity as a lesbian, facing rejection from her mother and church. The novel blends fiction with fairy tales to illustrate Jeanette's journey toward self-acceptance and independence. This book contains depictions of anti-LGBTQIA+ bias and abuse.
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
86,735 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jeanette Winterson's semi-autobiographical novel, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, elicits praise for its lyrical prose and bold exploration of sexuality and religious fervor. Critics appreciate Winterson's unique voice and thematic depth, though some find the narrative structure disjointed. Its blend of humor and poignancy leaves a lasting impression.
Who Should Read Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit?
Readers who cherish coming-of-age stories and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes will appreciate Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle will find resonance in Winterson's blend of wit, insight, and poignant narrative.
86,735 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jeanette’s Mother
Jeanette’s Mother
A devout evangelical who raises Jeanette with strict religious beliefs, deeply involved with the local church and holds specific expectations for Jeanette's life path.
Elsie
Elsie
An older woman from the church who acts as a mentor and guardian to Jeanette, offering her support and guidance outside of her immediate family.
Melanie
Melanie
Jeanette’s primary love interest during her youth, who navigates a complicated relationship with her against the backdrop of their religious community.
Ms. Jewsbury
Ms. Jewsbury
A mentor figure for Jeanette who provides shelter and insights that broaden Jeanette's understanding of her own identity and the world around her.
176
Novel • Fiction
England • 1960s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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