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A review by jaynerooke66
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A short memoir from the author of Oranges are not the Only Fruit (which was semi autobiographical in nature).
There was a point in the first half of the book, where I wondered whether I'd end up highlighting the entire book.
It is packed full of philosophical insights, witty observations and is quite funny too despite the challenging subject matter.
In essence, this book revisits JW's life pre and post Oranges, ie the odd upbringing, and staid home of her highly religious parents. Jeanette is a lesbian and this causes much angst for her mother, eventually throwing her out at a young age. The book's title is a phrase her mother uses when Jeanette tries to explain that she's happy and in love.
JW talks about the impact of the industrial revolution, class division, the Thatcher era, and lack of money in Accrington. She's constantly dreaming of escape. Books are her means of escape- as it turns out, literally.
What I enjoyed most about the book is the stream of consciousnes style of writing, its brutal honesty, and the way JW deals with complex and nuanced themes ( such as religion and mental health) in a sensitive and often funny way. I also liked the fact that books and writing are central to this book and her life. Books are her salvation and there's quotes from poets and prose throughout, despite never being allowed book herself (not that it stopped her - JW was a rebel).
Jeanette was adopted by the Wintersons from birth; the latter part of the book is about her trying to find out about her roots and by doing so understand herself more. I enjoyed the latter part less in all honesty.
In summary, it's an interesting read particularly for those who like Oranges and want to read more about JW and her life before and after her mother's influence.
"A tough life needs a tough language- and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers - a language powerful enough to say how it is. It isn't a hiding place. It is a finding place."
There was a point in the first half of the book, where I wondered whether I'd end up highlighting the entire book.
It is packed full of philosophical insights, witty observations and is quite funny too despite the challenging subject matter.
In essence, this book revisits JW's life pre and post Oranges, ie the odd upbringing, and staid home of her highly religious parents. Jeanette is a lesbian and this causes much angst for her mother, eventually throwing her out at a young age. The book's title is a phrase her mother uses when Jeanette tries to explain that she's happy and in love.
JW talks about the impact of the industrial revolution, class division, the Thatcher era, and lack of money in Accrington. She's constantly dreaming of escape. Books are her means of escape- as it turns out, literally.
What I enjoyed most about the book is the stream of consciousnes style of writing, its brutal honesty, and the way JW deals with complex and nuanced themes ( such as religion and mental health) in a sensitive and often funny way. I also liked the fact that books and writing are central to this book and her life. Books are her salvation and there's quotes from poets and prose throughout, despite never being allowed book herself (not that it stopped her - JW was a rebel).
Jeanette was adopted by the Wintersons from birth; the latter part of the book is about her trying to find out about her roots and by doing so understand herself more. I enjoyed the latter part less in all honesty.
In summary, it's an interesting read particularly for those who like Oranges and want to read more about JW and her life before and after her mother's influence.
"A tough life needs a tough language- and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers - a language powerful enough to say how it is. It isn't a hiding place. It is a finding place."