Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable book
Review: This quirky novel tells the story of Jeanette, who is
adpted into a very devout, Evangelical house in
England. As she grows, she begins to realize how
different she is from the people around her, whether
it's the reaction of teachers and students to her
religious views at the public school (the 'Breeding
Ground,' as her mother calls it) or her "unnatural
passion" for young Melanie who works at the fish stall
in the local market.

Her views of God, religion and the search for
perfection are all challenged by her desire to learn
more about herself. At one point, she is locked into
a room for 32 hours to "purge her of the demons" when
her church discovers her relationship with Melanie.
Through all the obstacles, she remains true to
herself.

This book is filled with both humor and drama, as well
as strong characters: the strong-willed Mother whose
ideas of God and religion make an imprint on
Jeanette's view of the world; Elsie, the only woman
who seems to truly understand what Jeanette is going
through and how to deal with it; and Jeanette herself,
a sharp young girl with strong opinions of right and
wrong and learns that it is okay to be different.