My book review of 'Why be happy when you could be normal?' by Jeanette Winterson

by Jeanette Winterson

Jeanette Winterson is known for her novel 'Oranges Are Not the Only fruit', where she tells the tale of her childhood living with a tyrant of a parent, whom she calls Mrs Winterson.

This book complements that story, being the true account of the author's upbringing as an adopted and unloved daughter.

It is an incredibly sad book yet it remains inspiring and life-affirming. Jeanette Winterson reveals that she has struggled throughout her life with her identity and with her relationships, yet she also explains how books and libraries saved her, giving her a better, happier, more hopeful world in which to escape.

This is an astonishingly honest book, full of wisdom and acceptance, and I am sure I will turn back to it again and again.

Date of this review: January 2013