logo

38 pages 1 hour read

Jeanette Winterson

Written On The Body

Jeanette WintersonFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jeanette Winterson

Written On The Body

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

190

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson follows an anonymous narrator recounting a passionate love affair with Louise Rosenthal, a married woman whose husband, Elgin, complicates their relationship by using her leukemia diagnosis to manipulate her return. The narrator's decision to leave Louise, believing it's for her well-being, leads to heartache and self-discovery, ending with a hopeful reunion. The narrative includes themes of infidelity and illness.

Melancholic

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

31,922 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jeanette Winterson’s Written On The Body is acclaimed for its lyrical prose, rich metaphors, and evocative exploration of love and identity. However, some critics find its gender ambiguity and abstract narrative style challenging. Overall, the novel is praised for its emotional depth and innovative storytelling, but its unconventional elements may not appeal to all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Written On The Body?

Readers who enjoy intimate, lyrical explorations of love and identity, much like in Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson or The Color Purple by Alice Walker, will be captivated by Written On The Body. This novel appeals to those interested in poetic prose and complex emotional narratives.

4.2

31,922 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

190

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.