Lila's Picks
Eleanor Flood embodies the most human parts of all of us: insecure, off-kilter, and struggling to find joy in the life she has. A wealthy Seattle graphic artist and mom approaching middle-age, Eleanor at face value has little in common with me, but us nonetheless profoundly relateable. Hilarious... touching... captivating.
This memoir, by the author of the novel, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, is strange and relatable. Winterson's descriptions of her fight against blind conformity, a hard childhood, sexual discovery, and personal acceptance make for a touching and intense book.
Set in India and jumping forward and back through time, the narrative explores the beautiful, terrible, pivotal moments in the lives of tiwns Esther and Rachel and their mother Ammu. Dealing with issues of class and patriarchal oppression, love, and society, this book is unique and brilliant.