# Jeanette Winterson

> English writer

**Wikidata**: [Q233584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanette_Winterson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeanette-winterson

## Summary

Jeanette Winterson, born on August 27, 1959, in Manchester, is a British writer with citizenship in the United Kingdom [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][1][6][16][3][8][17][18][19]. Her occupations include writer, screenwriter, novelist, journalist, author, and science fiction writer [20][1][18][21][22][7][23][6][24][25][26]. She was married to Susie Orbach until 2019 . Winterson was educated at St Catherine’s College and Accrington and Rossendale College [23]. Her fields of activity encompass television screenwriting, literary activity, creative writing, and activism [27].She has been influenced by Thomas Malory, T. S. Eliot, and Virginia Woolf . Among her notable works are Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Sexing the Cherry, Gut Symmetries, The World and Other Places, The Stone Gods, Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery, and one additional title [28][29]. Winterson has received multiple awards, including Officer of the Order of the British Empire, the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the E. M. Forster Award, the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series, the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, and inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list, along with two other unspecified awards [30][31].

## Summary
Jeanette Winterson is an English writer, novelist, and screenwriter known for her groundbreaking contributions to contemporary literature, particularly her debut novel *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit*. Born in 1959, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary world, receiving numerous accolades including the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and being named an Officer and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Her work spans novels, plays, and screenplays, often exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and mythology.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 27, 1959
- **Nationality**: United Kingdom
- **Education**: St Catherine's College, University of Oxford (affiliated)
- **Known for**: Authoring the semi-autobiographical novel *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit* and pioneering works in modern British fiction
- **Employer(s)**: St Catherine's College, University of Oxford (affiliated); University teacher (general affiliation)
- **Field(s)**: Literature, Creative Writing, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Journalism

## Contributions
Jeanette Winterson has produced a diverse body of literary and dramatic work that has redefined contemporary British fiction.
- **Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1985)**: Her debut novel, a semi-autobiographical work that won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and was adapted into a BBC television series.
- **Literary Works**: Authored numerous novels and short stories that explore complex themes of love, religion, and identity, establishing her as a leading voice in modern literature.
- **Screenwriting and Playwriting**: Created works for film, television, and the stage, expanding her narrative reach beyond traditional prose.
- **Academic Engagement**: Contributed to the field of creative writing through her association with St Catherine's College, Oxford, and her role as a university teacher.
- **Public Recognition**: Featured in the BBC 100 Women list, highlighting her influence as a cultural figure and advocate.

## FAQs
**What is Jeanette Winterson's most famous work?**
Her most celebrated work is *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit*, a semi-autobiographical novel published in 1985 that won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. This book brought her international acclaim and was later adapted into a successful BBC television series.

**What awards has Jeanette Winterson received?**
She has been honored with the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and has received two ranks within the Order of the British Empire: Officer (OBE) and Commander (CBE). Additionally, she was named to the BBC 100 Women list in 2013.

**Where did Jeanette Winterson study?**
Jeanette Winterson is affiliated with St Catherine's College, which is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. Her education there laid the groundwork for her subsequent career as a writer and academic.

**What genres does Jeanette Winterson write in?**
She is a versatile writer who works across multiple genres, including novels, short stories, plays, and screenplays. Her work often blends elements of fantasy, realism, and autobiography.

**Is Jeanette Winterson involved in activism?**
Yes, her work and public presence are linked to activism, specifically efforts to make change in society toward a perceived greater good, often focusing on issues of identity and social justice.

## Why They Matter
Jeanette Winterson matters because she broke new ground in British literature by blending autobiography with fiction to explore taboo subjects such as sexuality and religious fundamentalism. Her debut novel, *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit*, challenged traditional narratives and provided a voice for marginalized communities, influencing a generation of writers to explore similar themes. By successfully transitioning between novels, plays, and screenplays, she has demonstrated the versatility of the modern writer and expanded the boundaries of literary expression. Her recognition with high honors like the CBE and inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list underscores her status as a cultural icon whose work continues to shape discussions on identity and society.

## Notable For
- **Authoring *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit***: A landmark novel that won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and was adapted for television.
- **Receiving the CBE and OBE**: Recognized for her services to literature with two distinct ranks in the Order of the British Empire.
- **BBC 100 Women**: Named one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world by the BBC in 2013.
- **Versatility in Writing**: Successfully working as a novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and journalist.
- **Academic Affiliation**: Being associated with St Catherine's College, University of Oxford, and working as a university teacher.
- **Activism**: Engaging in efforts to drive social change and advocate for greater good.
- **Creative Writing Discipline**: Contributing to the academic discipline of creative writing through her practice and teaching.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Jeanette Winterson was born on August 27, 1959, in the United Kingdom. She pursued her higher education at St Catherine's College, a college of the University of Oxford. Her time at Oxford and her subsequent role as a university teacher established her early connection to the academic world of literature and creative writing.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Winterson's career as a writer began in earnest with the publication of *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit*. This novel, which is considered her most significant work, is a semi-autobiographical story that won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. The success of this book launched her into the public eye and led to its adaptation into a BBC television series. Beyond this debut, she has authored a wide range of novels and short stories, often characterized by their experimental style and exploration of personal and societal themes. Her work is categorized under the fields of literature and creative writing, and she is recognized as a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Jeanette Winterson has received significant recognition for her contributions to the arts. She was awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize early in her career. Later, she was honored by the British monarchy, receiving the rank of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and subsequently being promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In 2013, she was included in the BBC 100 Women list, an international award recognizing influential women globally. These accolades highlight her impact on British culture and literature.

### Academic and Professional Affiliations
Winterson has maintained strong ties to the academic sector. She is affiliated with St Catherine's College at the University of Oxford, an institution founded in 1962. Her professional roles include working as a university teacher, where she contributes to the field of creative writing. This academic engagement complements her practical work as a writer, allowing her to influence the next generation of authors.

### Themes and Activism
Her work often intersects with activism, defined as efforts to make change in society toward a perceived greater good. Through her writing, she addresses issues of identity, sexuality, and social justice, using her platform to advocate for marginalized voices. Her contributions to the field of creative writing and her status as a public intellectual have made her a significant figure in contemporary cultural discourse.

### Technical Identifiers and Metadata
Jeanette Winterson is identified by numerous international standards and database codes. Her Wikidata ID is Q403495. She holds the ISNI 0000000121185882, VIAF 4961254, and GND 119484919. Her Library of Congress Control Number is n84044023, and she is listed in the British Library with the identifier 029475546. Her IMDb ID is nm0936019, reflecting her work in screenwriting and film. She has a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Jeanette Winterson" and maintains an official website at http://www.jeanettewinterson.com. Her work period is recorded as starting in 1985. Various other identifiers, including OCLC, NLA, and NUKAT numbers, further catalog her extensive bibliography and public records.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/catching-up-with-the-past-20111208-1ojpg.html)
3. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jun/10/jeanettewinterson)
4. IMDb
5. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
6. Babelio
7. BnF authorities
8. NNDB
9. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/books/review/jeanette-wintersons-new-memoir.html)
10. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/arts/art-shock.html#/#shockme)
11. Virtual International Authority File
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15. [Source](http://mak.bn.org.pl/cgi-bin/KHW/makwww.exe?BM=01&IM=04&NU=01&WI=A26335335)
16. LIBRIS. 2015
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18. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
19. [Source](http://www.troubleandstrife.org/articles/issue-38/jeanette-winterson-is-not-the-only-lesbian/)
20. Czech National Authority Database
21. BBC Programme Catalogue
22. [Source](http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-events/jeanette-winterson-in-conversation-with-screenwriter-abi-morgan)
23. JSTOR
24. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/mobile/bbc_news/entertainment/646/64642/story6464297.wml)
25. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22622194)
26. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27906653)
27. The Fine Art Archive
28. [BBC 100 Women 2016: Who is on the list?. 2016](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-38012048)
29. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/jeanette-winterson/)
30. International Standard Name Identifier
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36. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/515/000063326/)
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43. [Source](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/359648/art-objects-by-jeanette-winterson/9780099590019)
44. [The 25 Most Influential Works of Postwar Queer Literature](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/t-magazine/queer-postwar-books-plays-poems.html)
45. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_389)
46. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/frankissstein)
47. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2020)
48. Autoritats UB
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50. Goodreads