Saturday, April 19, 2008

Wonderful Whimsical Winterson ...

I have a problem.

The problem is that on a pretty much daily basis (through the magic of the internet) I become exposed to books that I JUST HAVE TO READ. So I say ... OK ... Just this one book. That one book never ends up being less than four. (It's a good thing I'm not a drinker ...)

My problems are further compounded by the fact that often times once I've read said book(s), I have fallen in love with the author and then have to read everything they've ever written and my formidable 'to be read pile' never seems to get any smaller, and in fact, has gotten to quite a problematic size.

Which brings me to Jeanette Winterson.

My first Winterson was:



which ended up being one of the best books I read in 2007. The Passion takes place in the time of Napoleon but isn't really historical fiction. Winterson uses the the time and place as a backdrop for her unique characters and amazing writing.

An absolute must read.



was my next book of hers, and I was reminded of how brilliantly she can turn a phrase. There's a whimsical almost fairy tale aspect, with a bit of darkness, and humor. Brilliantly executed, as evidenced by this prime quote:

"....I discovered from my time in the brothel that men's members, if bitten off or otherwise severed, do not grow again. This seems a great mistake on the part of nature, since men are so careless with their members and will put them anywhere without thinking."

Winterson has about 10 more books for me to add to my Wish List, and it is my sincere hope that my problem becomes your problem. It's a good problem to have ... kind of a Pay it Forward thing.

Enjoy!