Jeanette Winterson's novel "Sexing the Cherry" is a vivid and unconventional exploration of love, identity, and the fluid nature of reality. Set in 17th century England, the novel follows the lives of the Dog Woman, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who is both mother and lover to the narrator, and Jordan, the narrator's twin brother.
At its core, "Sexing the Cherry" is a celebration of difference and the power of the individual to shape their own identity. The Dog Woman, who is presented as an outsider and a misfit, embraces her unconventional nature and rejects the rigid societal expectations placed upon her. She teaches the narrator to embrace their own desires and to question the validity of societal norms.
Through the use of magical realism, Winterson also challenges the boundaries of reality and suggests that there is more to the world than what can be perceived through the limited lens of the five senses. The Dog Woman's ability to shape shift and the presence of talking dogs and other fantastical elements serve to blur the lines between what is real and what is not, and encourages the reader to question their own assumptions about the world.
In addition to exploring themes of identity and the nature of reality, "Sexing the Cherry" also delves into the complex and often tumultuous nature of love. The relationship between the Dog Woman and the narrator is unconventional and often difficult, but it is also deeply passionate and loving. Winterson presents love as something that can be messy and complicated, but ultimately transformative and enriching.
Overall, "Sexing the Cherry" is a bold and imaginative novel that invites the reader to challenge their own perceptions and to embrace the beauty of individuality and difference. Through its unconventional characters and fantastical elements, the novel encourages the reader to question the limitations of societal norms and to embrace the complexities and beauty of love.
