Jeanette Winterson's novel "Written on the Body" explores the poignant and complex journey of love lost and found. At its core, the narrative delves into the intricacies of relationships, identity, and the sacrifices made in the name of love. Through innovative storytelling techniques and gender ambiguity, Winterson reimagines traditional romantic themes, offering a fresh and compelling take on this universal human experience.

The Unnamed Narrator's Journey

The story opens with the unnamed and genderless narrator reflecting on past summers filled with passion and shared intimacy. These memories contrast sharply with the present, where the narrator finds themselves alone at the end of a hot, dry summer. A retrospective journey through past relationships with both men and women reveals the path that led to the loss of Louise, the narrator's great love.

The Love Triangle

Louise enters the narrator's life as a vibrant force, her striking red hair and Australian accent quickly eclipsing the content but lackluster life the narrator shares with Jacqueline, a zookeeper. Louise chooses to leave her husband, Elgin Rosenthal, a dedicated cancer specialist, to be with the narrator. Despite the mutual commitment, Louise is wary of the narrator's history of romantic escapades. She requires a significant gesture of love before she will accept the words, "I love you." This pivotal moment arrives when Elgin confronts the narrator with the revelation that Louise has leukemia. While currently symptomless, swift medical intervention is crucial. Elgin offers a deal: if the narrator abandons Louise, she can receive the advanced medical care she needs, but continuing their affair may lead to her demise.

Thematic Exploration

The novel intricately weaves themes of love, sacrifice, and identity, challenging conventional norms and the boundaries of romantic relationships. Winterson utilizes a series of poetic essays on the human body to add depth and texture to the narrative, transforming a familiar story into a fresh exploration of physical and emotional intimacy. The book also ventures into gender fluidity, leaving the narrator's gender ambiguous to provoke contemplation on how gender influences love and desire.

Literary Context and Criticism

"Written on the Body" is part of Winterson's broader oeuvre, which frequently revisits themes of love, identity, and the human condition. In her review for The New York Review of Books, Gabriele Anna notes the novel's connection to Winterson's earlier works, particularly "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," and its exploration of similar themes through innovative narrative structures. Anna's review provides a comprehensive look at Winterson's literary evolution and the recurring motifs in her writing.

Nicci Gerrard, in "Into the Mainstream: How Feminism Has Changed Women’s Writing," places "Written on the Body" within the socio-political context of the 1970s and 1980s, a period that significantly influenced female authors and their work. Although Gerrard's references to Winterson are brief, she provides a broader understanding of the environment in which Winterson's novels emerged.

Sally Hunt, editor of "New Lesbian Criticism: Literary and Cultural Readings," discusses Winterson's work as a bridge into mainstream culture, analyzing how adaptations of "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" have affected its original radical content. Meanwhile, Pamela Petro's review in The Atlantic offers an insightful discussion on how "Written on the Body" fits into Winterson's literary canon, highlighting the novel's thematic continuity and formal experimentation.

Through "Written on the Body," Winterson continues to provoke thought and challenge readers' perceptions of love, identity, and the body. Her novel remains a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and its ability to renew familiar narratives.