Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

by Jeanette Winterson

4.09 out of 5 (17 ratings)

Format:
Paperback 
Pages:
240 
Publisher:
Vintage 
Publication Date:
12 April 2012 
Category:
Biography: Literary 
ISBN:
9780099556091 

Description

In 1985 Jeanette Winterson's first novel, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit", was published. It was Jeanette's version of the story of a terraced house in Accrington, an adopted child, and the thwarted giantess Mrs Winterson. It was a cover story, a painful past written over and repainted. It was a story of survival. This book is that story's the silent twin. It is full of hurt and humour and a fierce love of life. It is about the pursuit of happiness, about lessons in love, the search for a mother and a journey into madness and out again. It is generous, honest and true.

Showing 1-4 out of 17 reviews. Previous | Next

  • I liked this book especially the first half when she was a child. Impossible to believe that a mother could treat a young child the way she did. But the mother was obsessive and nutty in my opinion. The second half she is an adult looking for her biological parents. She does find her mother but that is not finally so satisfying to her as I suspect is the case with many adoptees when they find their parents. The book is very well written and not to be missed if you enjoy memoirs, especially those of writers.

    5.00 out of 5

    SigmundFraud

  • Brilliant. Weird, but brilliant. it made me feel thankful for what I have and shows how kind other people can be

    5.00 out of 5

    stepheniles

  • I am completely and totally overwhelmed! I have found a soulmate. Some of the things she´s written could have come from me (if I had had her skill...) Oh, how she writes about love, and loss, and loneliness. I cry even as I write this now. It´s amazing that she dared to write this book - she is so naked and vulnerable, but that is of course part of what makes it good literature. And the way she writes of what reading meant and means to her! And how she describes the feeling of security when being surrounded by books ( I know, know!) This book was written for me! Thank you!

    5.00 out of 5

    Amsa1959

  • Such a life! So many quotable lines! So much within that any person can resonant with in her experience. A book worth reading many times.MGP

    5.00 out of 5

    NineTiger

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