Jeanette Winterson’s Written On The Body is acclaimed for its lyrical prose, rich metaphors, and evocative exploration of love and identity. However, some critics find its gender ambiguity and abstract narrative style challenging. Overall, the novel is praised for its emotional depth and innovative storytelling, but its unconventional elements may not appeal to all readers.

Readers who enjoy intimate, lyrical explorations of love and identity, much like in Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson or The Color Purple by Alice Walker, will be captivated by Written On The Body. This novel appeals to those interested in poetic prose and complex emotional narratives.

Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson follows an anonymous narrator recounting a passionate love affair with Louise Rosenthal, a married woman whose husband, Elgin, complicates their relationship by using her leukemia diagnosis to manipulate her return. The narrator's decision to leave Louise, believing it's for her well-being, leads to heartache and self-discovery, ending with a hopeful reunion. The narrative includes themes of infidelity and illness.

Melancholic / Emotional / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Written On The Body by Jeanette Winterson is notable for its use of an ungendered narrator, leaving the reader to interpret the character's identity.
- The novel explores themes of love and desire with a poetic and experimental prose style that challenges traditional narrative forms.
- Jeanette Winterson wrote Written On The Body in 1992, and it has since become a staple in discussions of postmodern literature and LGBTQ+ studies.

**The Narrator**  
An unnamed, genderless character who works in translation and later relocates from London to Yorkshire, where they take up a job at a wine bar while recounting complex romantic relationships.

**Louise Rosenthal**  
An Australian art historian known for her beauty and the narrator's romantic interest, who is married to Elgin Rosenthal and battles a serious illness while navigating her shifting relationships.

**Dr. Elgin Rosenthal**  
A medical researcher and Louise's husband, who comes from a religious background and is focused on oncological pharmaceutical pursuits, attempting to maintain control over Louise's treatment and life choices.

**Gail Right**  
The owner of a Yorkshire wine bar, she serves as the narrator's employer and offers pragmatic advice and emotional support while embracing her own unfulfilled feelings toward the narrator.

**Jacqueline**  
A young zoo worker and the narrator's former domestic partner, whose volatile reaction to the narrator's affair indicates her deep emotional investment in their relationship.

Jeanette Winterson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Written On The Body and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Written On The Body Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 9-49

Written On The Body Pages 9-49 Summary & Analysis

Pages 50-95

Written On The Body Pages 50-95 Summary & Analysis

Pages 96-112

Written On The Body Pages 96-112 Summary & Analysis

Pages 113-140

Written On The Body Pages 113-140 Summary & Analysis

Pages 141-162

Written On The Body Pages 141-162 Summary & Analysis

Pages 163-190

Written On The Body Pages 163-190 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Written On The Body Character Analysis

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Themes

Written On The Body Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Written On The Body Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Written On The Body Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Written On The Body Essay Topics

Written On The Body

Before You Read

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