Between Sex And Fear (Press, 2 January 1988)
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Summary: Between Sex And Fear (Press, 2 January 1988)
"The Passion" by Jeanette Winterson, published by Bloomsbury in 1987, is a vivid and imaginative novel that defies expectations set by its title and cover. The story revolves around Henri, a diminutive French poultry chef who finds himself serving the Emperor Napoleon. Tasked with delivering fowl to the Imperial tent, Henri's life becomes a saga of both culinary service and emotional turmoil as he grapples with the horrors of war and his feelings towards Napoleon. As Henri becomes disillusioned with the General and the accompanying violence, he embarks on his own retreat from the chaos of the Moscow campaign. Intertwined with Henri's tale is that of Vilanellet, a beautiful Venetian who is trapped in a grim marriage to a wealthy nobleman. After her marriage ends, she takes on the role of vivandiere, assisting Napoleon's officers. Henri and Vilanellet’s lives converge during the war, and they eventually return to Venice together, accompanied by an alcoholic priest. The novel portrays a world filled with horror, greed, and madness, conveyed through tightly woven prose that leans more towards poetry than traditional historical narrative. Winterson sketches the Napoleonic campaigns with broad strokes, creating striking imagery that brings to life the casinos and canals of Venice, where the characters navigate their complex realities. The portrayal of Vilanellet, who plays a dual role as a transvestite croupier and skilled boatman, adds depth to the narrative. Diane Prout's review highlights Winterson's unique writing style, describing it as taut, contemporary, and rich in imagery. She also reflects on the author's intriguing background, which includes a Pentecostal upbringing, various jobs including that of an ice-cream van driver, and a degree in English from Oxford. With its Gothic undertones, themes of revenge, and explorations of passion amid fear, "The Passion" is presented as a compelling and multifaceted reading experience. Prout expresses enthusiasm for Winterson's earlier work, "Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit,” which won the Whitbread First Novel prize in 1985 and adds to the anticipation for more from this talented author.
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