Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

Based on Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

Jeanette Winterson reads from her memoir revealing the grim truth and surreal comedy behind the 1985 novel that made her famous.

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Licence: ERA Licence required

Content
  • Type: Book Reading
  • Channel: BBC Radio 4
  • Duration: 13'08''
  • Broadcast date: 2011
Usage

UK only
Staff and students of licensed education establishments only
Cannot be adapted

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  • Literary Resource

More episodes from this series

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 1

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 1

2011 | 13'08''

Jeanette Winterson reads from her memoir revealing the grim truth and surreal comedy behind the 1985 novel that made her f...

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 2

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 2

2011 | 14'44''

Books were banned from the household she grew up except for the Bible and Shakespeare. Jeanette Winterson reads her memoir.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 3

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 3

2011 | 13'06''

As a teenager, the author navigates her own feelings and sexuality in a volatile household. Jeanette Winterson reads her m...

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 4

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 4

2011 | 13'24''

Jeanette Winterson reads her memoir recounting her terrifying experience of love and loss, decades into her writing career.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 5

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? | Episode 5

2011 | 13'33''

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit came out in 1985 when the author was only 25. Jeanette Winterson concludes her memoir.
Other Archive resources
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit | BBC Radio 4 | 2014

Woman's Hour | Jeanette Winterson

Jeanette Winterson talks to Jenni Murray about her ground breaking novel and its place in women's writing almost thirty years after its publication.
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit | BBC Two | 1990

The Talk Show with Clive James | Jeanette Winterson

Clive James hosts discussion prog with guests Jeanette Winterson (Author) David Mamet (playwright) and Deborah Moggach.