ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT

'''Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit''' is a novel by Jeanette Winterson published in 1985, which she subsequently adapted into a BBC television drama. It is about a lesbian girl who grows up in an extremely religious community. The book won Winterson the Whitbread Award for a First Novel in 1985.
This book is now popular in schools, most often as part of an A-level literature course. There is a volume in the York Notes Advanced series by Kathryn Simpson, aimed at English Literature students.

Contents

Plot introduction

A lesbian text?

Footnotes

References

See also

Plot introduction

The main character is a young girl named Jeanette, who is adopted by evangelists, who believe she is destined to become a missionary. However, Jeanette finds herself subject to desires and feelings that contrast with the beliefs of the evangelical church. Because of these feelings, she finds herself subject to horrific practices and exorcisms, encouraged by her mother and her mother's friends.
''Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit'' is a book designed to show the wilder/extreme side of religious enthusiasm and an exploration of the power of love.
It was released on cassette by BBC Audiobooks, read by Charlotte Coleman.

A lesbian text?

There has been much discussion as to the extent to which the book is a lesbian novel. Speaking on this, Jeanette Winterson believes
:"It's for anyone interested in what happens at the frontiers of common-sense. Do you stay safe or do you follow your heart? I've never understood why straight fiction is supposed to be for everyone, but anything with a gay character or that includes gay experience is only for queers. That said, I'm really glad the book has made a difference to so many young women."^[1]

Footnotes

1.
★ Jeanette Winterson's official site

References

★ Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, , Jeanette, Winterson, Pandora Press, ,

See also

★ Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit (television programme)