Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

by Jeanette Winterson
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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Format • £9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 1858
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780099562993
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 30
  • Reviews: 4

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a celebrated coming-out novel that won the Whitbread Prize for best first fiction. The story follows Jeanette, a young evangelical who grapples with her faith and her emerging sexuality in a God-fearing household. As she comes to terms with her preference for her own sex, the delicate balance of her family life begins to unravel. /n/nJeanette's journey is one of self-discovery and defiance, as she navigates the complexities of her identity and the expectations placed upon her. The novel is a powerful exploration of faith, love, and the search for belonging, told with Winterson's signature wit and insight.

Reviews
writeoutloudblog.com · 2023-04-30
powerful 4.50

The reviewer finds the book remarkable and deeply impactful, reflecting on their own upbringing and traumas.

This reviewer shares a personal connection to the book, highlighting its ability to resonate with their own experiences of abuse and trauma. They appreciate the book's exploration of complex themes and its ability to evoke strong emotions. The reviewer's perspective adds a layer of personal reflection to their analysis, making the review relatable and heartfelt.

Quick quotes

    It really is a remarkable book for all of that.

    I'm very grateful for the upbringing I received.

    I went through considerable abuse, huge traumas.

yuristargirl.com · 2022-07-11
serene 4.00

The reviewer describes the book as a quiet, calm exploration of self-discovery and identity.

This reviewer highlights the book's serene and thoughtful portrayal of Jeanette's journey of self-discovery. They emphasize the calm and introspective nature of the narrative, which intersects with the fervent religious upbringing. The review captures the book's ability to explore complex emotions and identity in a subtle yet powerful way.

Quick quotes

    Do read this book though.

    It's quiet, calm exploration of Jeanette's growing feelings and understanding of herself intersecting with the fervent...

    The fervent religious upbringing.

julias-books.com · 2018-03-03
thoughtful 3.50

The reviewer praises the book's cleverness and writing but finds some elements unsatisfying.

This reviewer acknowledges the book's intellectual depth and well-crafted storytelling but points out that certain aspects feel incomplete or vague. They appreciate the author's skill but suggest that some parts of the narrative could be more satisfying. Overall, the review balances admiration for the book's strengths with a critique of its shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    This is such a clever book, incredibly well-written, but complex.

    There are elements which are vaguely unsatisfying.

    The author tells a great story, but to...

The Guardian · 2009-08-08
powerful 4.00

The book is a powerful exploration of identity and sexuality. The narrative is rich with symbolism and emotional depth, making it a memorable read.

The reviewer highlights the book's powerful exploration of identity and sexuality. They appreciate the rich symbolism and emotional depth of the narrative, which makes it a memorable read. The reviewer notes that the book's themes are timeless and resonate deeply with the reader. The story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    My mother didn't trust love after she once mistook it for an ulcer.

    "Don't let anyone touch you down there," she warned.

    Have an orange instead...

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