Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit *WIDER READING NOTES*

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit - Jeanette Winterson

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit presents Jeanette, a young girl who is growing up in a highly religious community. Her mother imposes these religious values onto her. As Jeanette grows, it is revealed that she is a lesbian - in a society that will not accept her sexuality. Her mother demands that she be exorcised and is convinced that she has fallen victim to the devil. She leaves home, finds work, and goes to live in the city.

Context:

The novel is semi autobiographical, as it is based upon the life of the author, Jeanette Winterson. Set in the 1960s where homosexuality was still very much opposed. Whilst lesbianism was not illegal, it was frowned upon.

Struggle for modern identity:

The novel presents Winterson's denial of …