49 pages • 1 hour read
Jeanette WintersonOranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.