Books Like...
'Written on the Body' by Jeanette Winterson is a poetic and emotionally charged exploration of love, lust, and loss through the lens of a genderqueer protagonist. The novel delves into themes of passion, longing, and regret, all while maintaining ambiguity around the narrator's gender, adding depth to the narrative. Winterson's exquisite prose and unique narrative style create a captivating and intense reading experience that lingers with the reader long after the book is finished.
If you liked Written on the Body, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Hex" by Rebecca Dinerstein Knight follows the journey of Nell, a PhD botanist at Columbia University, who faces expulsion after her collection of poisonous plants leads to a tragic incident in a college laboratory. The novel delves into Nell's day-to-day life post-expulsion, focusing on her unrequited love for her mentor and her complex relationships with those around her. Through a character-driven narrative, the book explores themes of passion, desire, obsession, and the consequences of these emotions colliding. The writing style is heavily descriptive, filled with metaphors that bring Nell's character to life in a way that feels both passionate and sardonic.
I am a woman who wakes up hungry. Tom touched only coffee till noon. You do what you’re capable of at some point, so Tom and I left each other. I wanted breakfast, he wanted liberty, and who could bla... - #2
Save:'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.
The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.
The lunch hour in the coworkers’ cafeteria at Frankenberg's had reached its peak. There was no room left at any of the long tables, and more and more people were arriving to wait back of the wooden ba... - #3
Save:'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a young girl, Jeanette, growing up in an evangelical community in England during the 1960s. The story follows Jeanette's coming of age, her struggles with her own sexuality conflicting with her church's beliefs, and her journey towards self-discovery. Winterson's writing style is a mix of poetry, humor, and drama, interweaving fairy tales and fantasy elements to add depth to the narrative.
The book explores themes of family expectations, identity development, repression, and the challenges of coming of age in a conservative religious environment. Winterson's storytelling is described as witty, observant, and emotionally tough, capturing the complexities of Jeanette's upbringing and her journey towards self-acceptance.
Like most people I lived for a long time with my mother and father. My father liked to watch the wrestling, my mother liked to wrestle; it didn’t matter what. She was in the white corner and that was ... - #4
Save:'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.
The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.
Have you ever tasted a Whitstable oyster? If you have, you will remember it. Some quirk of the Kentish coastline makes Whitstable natives - as they are properly called - the largest and the juiciest,... - #5
Save:'My Education' by Susan Choi is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and desires of its characters. The story follows Regina, a young graduate student who becomes infatuated with her professor's wife, Martha. As Regina pursues Martha recklessly and obsessively, the novel explores themes of love, lust, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as dense and layered, with complex sentences that contrast Regina's reckless behavior with her analytical mind.
Since arriving the previous week I’d kept hearing about a notorious person, and now as I entered the packed lecture hall my gaze caught on a highly conspicuous man. That’s him I declared inwardly, whi... - #6
Save:'The Passion' by Jeanette Winterson is a historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, primarily focusing on the intertwining lives of Henri, a French soldier, and Villanelle, a Venetian boatman's daughter. The story is full of magical realism, philosophical quotes, and explores themes of passion, love, war, and deception. Winterson's writing style is described as unique, with short sentences that are clear yet elusive, requiring the reader to savor and reflect on the full meaning of the narrative.
The novel is set in France, Russia, and Venice, with a significant emphasis on the evocative and mysterious city of Venice. The characters of Henri and Villanelle are portrayed as complex and engaging, with Venice itself becoming a character in its own right - dangerous, glamorous, and resistant to rationalization. The plot weaves together elements of passion, tragedy, and intimate relationships, creating a story that is both rich and full despite its brevity.
It was Napoleon who had such a passion for chicken that he kept his chefs working around the clock. What a kitchen that was, with birds in every state of undress; some still cold and slung over hooks,... - #7
Save:Delta of Venus by Anais Nin is a collection of interrelated short stories that explore eroticism and sexuality through various characters and scenarios. The stories range from sensual and sultry to disturbing and thought-provoking, covering taboo subjects like incest, pedophilia, and unconventional sexual behaviors. Anais Nin's writing style is described as sensual, exotic, and well-crafted, with a focus on human emotions, relationships, and sexual psychology. The book is a mix of literary erotica and psychological exploration, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of desire and human nature.
A book collector offered Henry Miller a hundred dollars a month to write erotic stories. It seemed like a Dantesque punishment to condemn Henry to write erotica at a dollar a page. He rebelled because... - #8
Save:"Rubyfruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown is a groundbreaking novel that follows the story of Molly Bolt, a strong and determined protagonist navigating her way through the challenges of growing up as a lesbian in America during the 1950s and 1960s. The book explores Molly's journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and her defiance against societal norms and expectations. The writing style is described as bawdy, moving, and humorous, with a focus on Molly's experiences in coming out and trying to establish herself as an independent woman. The plot delves into Molly's relationships, her aspirations, and her refusal to conform to traditional gender roles.
No one remembers her beginnings. Mothers and aunts tell us about infancy and early childhood, hoping we won’t forget the past when they had total control over our lives and secretly praying that becau... - #9
Save:Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson is a surreal and imaginative novel that challenges the linearity of time. The story follows the adventures of Dog Woman and her adopted son Jordan, blending elements of myth, fairy tales, and magical realism. The narrative jumps between different characters, times, and realities, creating a fluid and non-linear plot that explores themes of gender, class, time, and identity. Winterson's writing style is described as poetic, philosophical, and evocative, with a knack for vivid imagery and rich storytelling.
At first the Civil War hardly touched us. Opinions were ugh, and there were those like Preacher Scroggs and Neighbour Firebrace who would have taken any opportunity to feel themselves above the common... - #10
Save:Gut Symmetries by Jeanette Winterson is a novel that intricately weaves together themes of love, physics, and mysticism. The story follows a complex relationship that delves into the infinite and the finite, exploring the depths of human interaction while also incorporating elements of quantum physics and geometry. Winterson's writing style is described as dazzling, dizzying, and poetic, with a narrative that is not linear but rather a metaphysical meditation, inviting readers to pick out fragments and become obsessed by them.
What do we know of him? That he was short and ugly. That he wore an oversize sword. That he wanted to be a hero and looked like a victim. There he was a bellicose, bellyaching, belching, belfry of a m...
