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A review by keysmashhh
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 4.5/5
Genre: 3.5/5
It's obvious to point out that this is a memoir, and therefore doesn't quite fit into the normal categories I have when I review fiction books - also I read this for college so my experiences are a little different to the books I read for pleasure
Plot: I found the plot to be interesting, especially the structure that jumped around different parts of her life - there were times I felt that it got a little repetitive however as the book progressed I began to enjoy it more - especially the exploration of her later life and search for her biological mother
Characters: There was a strong sense of voice from the author, and a clear understanding of how she viewed the world, especially in relation to the books she had read. Other than the author, the other characters were not the central focus of the book and I did not mind that because I felt aligned strongly with the author.
Relationships: Romantic relationships were not the focus of the book but I liked the way JW touched on them and highlighted how familial relationships had influenced her romantic ones. The complex relationship between the author and Mrs Winterson was interesting but painful to read about.
World-Building: The harsh world of growing up in the North in Post-War Britain was my favourite thing about the book - it was very easy to immerse and understand this world and I could so clearly picture Accrington.
Genre: I very rarely read memoirs, but as this was for my college work, it forced me out of my comfort zone, I really enjoyed it, and I'm tempted to find a copy of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit
Characters: 3.5/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 4.5/5
Genre: 3.5/5
It's obvious to point out that this is a memoir, and therefore doesn't quite fit into the normal categories I have when I review fiction books - also I read this for college so my experiences are a little different to the books I read for pleasure
Plot: I found the plot to be interesting, especially the structure that jumped around different parts of her life - there were times I felt that it got a little repetitive however as the book progressed I began to enjoy it more - especially the exploration of her later life and search for her biological mother
Characters: There was a strong sense of voice from the author, and a clear understanding of how she viewed the world, especially in relation to the books she had read. Other than the author, the other characters were not the central focus of the book and I did not mind that because I felt aligned strongly with the author.
Relationships: Romantic relationships were not the focus of the book but I liked the way JW touched on them and highlighted how familial relationships had influenced her romantic ones. The complex relationship between the author and Mrs Winterson was interesting but painful to read about.
World-Building: The harsh world of growing up in the North in Post-War Britain was my favourite thing about the book - it was very easy to immerse and understand this world and I could so clearly picture Accrington.
Genre: I very rarely read memoirs, but as this was for my college work, it forced me out of my comfort zone, I really enjoyed it, and I'm tempted to find a copy of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit