Jeanette Winterson for “gAyPRIL”

“gAyPRIL” (Gay-April) continues on Falcon Radio, sharing a playlist curated by the Queer Trans Student Union, sharing songs celebrating the LGBTQ+ experience. In similar vein, you will enjoy Jeanette Winterson’s books if you find yourself interested in LGBTQ+ voices and nonlinear narratives.

As “dead week” is upon us, students, we can utilize resources such as Falcon Radio and Winterson’s storytelling to calm nerves and refocus. Winterson is arguably a classic in queer literature. She breaks traditional literature techniques by rewriting narratives in nonlinear storytelling. She also challenges society, its heteronormative expectations, as her characters break from the margins.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1985)

From religious trauma to motherly issues, the protagonist, Jeanette, finds herself within forced identities of which she does not claim. This coming-of-age narrative uncovers her identity as lesbian and her place in the world. The evangelical church and her mother are strictly against Jeanette’s identity, which they come to find out after Jeanette engages in a same-sex relationship. Jeanette fears the church, her mother, but also herself as she fears that the Christians’ God will punish her for these feelings. The diction and imagery is intensive and unique, often times requiring the reader to slow down. Though, the intense narrative will slow you down, too, as the conflict is heavy.

Sexing the Cherry (1989)

This narrative is a wild ride. I found myself confused, bewildered, and amused constantly. The seemingly 17th century England becomes mystical and combines fables into the nonlinear narrative. We follow a child, Jordan, who is rescued by Dog Woman. Yes, her name is Dog Woman, and Jordan embraces his love for his adoptive mother. Dog Woman breaks traditional expectations that society coins for women because she is muscular, tall, strong, and brave. For Jordan, he looks up to his mother and finds her to be beautiful and loving. These two protagonists are not explicitly identified under an LGBTQ+ label, but I found myself connecting their feelings to an overall queer experience as they go against heteronormative society. As Jordan comes of age, we follow his adventures as he uncovers more characters… across time and fables. Questions that surround the innerworkings of storytelling and characters, such as the Twelve Dancing Princesses or Nicholas Jordan from the 20th century, will consume your attention.

Jeanette Winterson for “gAyPRIL”

If you’re attracted to nonlinear, mystical narratives then Winterson is worth checking out. She is a lesbian, feminist writer who details breaking through the margins. Her characters question their identities – if identities should exist at all – and their place in the world and family. If you’re willing to be confused and positioned in the nonlinear, then Winterson’s message(s) and heartbreaking narratives will come to fruition.