Title: Sexing the Cherry
Author: Jeanette Winterson
First published January 1, 1989
167 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780802135780 (ISBN10: 0802135781)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Amidst a world that is both familiar and fantastical, Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson tells the story of Jordan, a child found floating in the Thames and rescued by the enigmatic Dog Woman. As Jordan grows up, he embarks on a journey that takes him across the world, encountering strange and curious oddities that seem to stem from his own imagination.
With Winterson’s signature style, the novel delves into discussions on the nature of time and the hidden journeys within journeys, taking the reader on a whirlwind adventure of epiphanies and revelations. Sexing the Cherry is a mesmerizing tale that will leave readers pondering the mysteries of the mind and the power of the imagination.
About the Author
Jeanette Winterson, a renowned novelist, was born in Manchester, England in 1959. After being adopted, she grew up in Accrington, Lancashire, located in the north of England.
Her upbringing in a strict Pentecostal Evangelist environment serves as the backdrop for her first novel, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, which was published in 1985. She attended St Catherine’s College, Oxford, and then moved to London, where she worked as an assistant editor at Pandora Press.
Winterson is known for being one of the most unique voices in British fiction during the 1980s. She was recognized as one of the 20 “Best of Young British Writers” in a promotion that was run jointly between the literary magazine Granta and the Book Marketing Council.
In addition to her novels, Winterson has also adapted her work for television. She wrote and directed “Great Moments in Aviation,” a television screenplay for BBC2 in 1994.
She is an editor for a series of new editions of novels by Virginia Woolf that are published in the UK by Vintage. She contributes reviews and articles to many newspapers and journals and has a regular column published in The Guardian.
Her radio drama includes the play Text Message, which was broadcast by BBC Radio in November 2001.
Winterson resides in Gloucestershire and London, and her work has been published in 28 countries.
Editoral Review
Jeanette Winterson’s “Sexing the Cherry” is a genre-bending novel that weaves together elements of historical fiction, magical realism, and feminist literature. First published in 1989, the book has since become a cult classic and a staple of postmodern literature.
The novel revolves around the story of Jordan, a giantess who lives in 17th-century London and works as a fruit seller at the city’s market. Jordan is also a cross-dresser, who defies gender norms and opposes the patriarchal institutions of her time.
Along with her adopted son, a talking dog named Dog-Woman, Jordan embarks on a fantastical journey through time and space, encountering mythical creatures and exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and power. Winterson’s writing is both poetic and insightful, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail.
She captures the essence of London in the 17th century, yet she also incorporates elements of contemporary culture in her writing, making the novel feel both timeless and timely. Through Jordan’s story, Winterson challenges the hierarchical structures of society, exposing the ways in which they limit individual freedom and creativity.
One of the strengths of the novel is its masterful use of language and imagery. Winterson’s prose is rich in metaphor and symbolism, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their flaws and virtues fully realized. The pacing of the novel is also impressive, with the action moving swiftly and seamlessly between different time periods and locations.
At the same time, “Sexing the Cherry” can be challenging to read, as it requires a willingness to suspend disbelief and to navigate its labyrinthine narrative structure. Some readers may find the novel too dense, too abstract, or too unconventional for their tastes.
However, those who are willing to engage with Winterson’s vision will find themselves rewarded with a profound and rewarding reading experience. Overall, “Sexing the Cherry” is a brilliant work of literature that transcends genre and defies expectations.
It is a book that demands to be read and reread, to be studied and savored. Highly recommended for fans of magical realism, feminism, and experimental literature.
5/5 Stars.
