Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson is one of those rare novels that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. First published in 1985, it tells the story of Jeanette, a young girl growing up in a strict Pentecostal household in northern England, who begins to question both her faith and her identity as she discovers her attraction to other women.

It’s part coming-of-age story, part spiritual exploration, and part fairytale. Winterson’s prose is lyrical and layered, full of wit, symbolism, and heart. Though semi-autobiographical, it never reads like a straightforward memoir; instead, it blurs the line between myth and memory to create something much richer.

✅ What I Liked:
Winterson’s voice is extraordinary. She captures the confusion and courage of adolescence with both humour and heartbreak, turning what could be a story of repression into one of resilience. Her use of biblical allegory and folktale elements gives the novel a timeless, almost magical quality that mirrors Jeanette’s inner world.

I also loved how unapologetically complex the book is. It doesn’t fit neatly into a genre or moral lesson. It’s about love in all its forms, romantic, familial, and divine, and the pain that comes when those loves collide. Winterson writes with tenderness and fire, and every page feels alive with both defiance and compassion.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
There are moments where the narrative’s structure, moving between realism and allegory, can feel disorienting. Some readers might find the fable-like sections interrupt the emotional flow of Jeanette’s story. But once you settle into Winterson’s rhythm, the shifts make perfect sense and they are part of what makes the novel so distinct and memorable.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
Because it’s a landmark in LGBTQ+ literature and an enduring classic of British fiction. It’s as relevant now as it was when first published, tackling identity, belief, and self-acceptance with honesty and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to character-driven stories, feminist writing, or queer narratives, this book belongs on your shelf.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is both tender and revolutionary. Winterson’s writing is fearless, funny, and profoundly human. It’s a novel about breaking free, finding your own truth, and learning that the world is wider and more colourful than the one you were told to believe in.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – A brilliant, heartfelt story of identity, faith, and the courage to live authentically.