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Summary: Precise, poetic truth
Review: Jeanette Winterson raises writing to the highest standard of art - evoking an immediate, involuntary reaction from the reader. Her mastery of language manages to define the intangible so lyrically, so precisely, with great innovation. Simultaneously, I identify with the story philosophically and emotionally - so entirely that I was taken by surprise. As she delves into her story, she peels away the reader's defenses layer by layer, until you are the narrator, you are reading your own story. I have read all her novels. This is her most emotionally charged, most powerful piece. One must be strong in order to face the truth of this love story which deals with the human psyche and relationships on so many levels. If you make the decision to do so, you will forever be enriched by her words.
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Summary: What's the big deal about this book?
Review: I found the characters to be extremely flat. The main character did not have an identity of his/her own. He/she didn't have a life beyond going from woman to woman. I need to know much more to be able to like a character. I could not connect with any of the characters in this book.Though I did quite like the description of a kiss between two people unsure of their roles. (The Denise kiss, if you've read the book.)
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Summary: Prose flows like poetry -- Winterson's best by far
Review: I have read this book repeatedly and given it as a gift to others. While Winterson as an individual seems to be impressed with her own prowess as an author, in this case, her self-admiration is deserved. Written on the Body is beautifully crafted. The plot device of a genderless narrator simply allows the reader to project their own point of view on the story of the lovers in the book. The story of love and loss and lessons learned are universal, no matter what your personal preferences or situation or stage in life. Read this book!!
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Summary: twisting and tangling passion with confusion and wisdom
Review: Written on the Body pulled me down into the thoughts of the narrator- there were giant holes for me to fall into Alice-like, there were no places of emptiness, only new kettles of fish- the narrator gives you a green view of passion- of decisions, of human behaviour in the context of love, and i tore through it quickly- an enjoyable read, not heavy, not light, and definately caught between poetry and novel.
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Summary: Perfect.
Review: It was a late afternoon when I finished this book. When I put it down I looked up to the grey-blue sky and did what seemed to be the only thing I could possibly do at that moment: speak. I wanted to say words. I wanted to say words and chew on words, swallow them whole, let them go down to the core of me and bring me up to the surface with them, new. Reading it is like discovering an aspect of yourself that will seem both new and familiar.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: I read this for a book group, and had to force myself to finish it. The author's gimmick of never revealing the gender of the narrator was blatantly annoying. I found most of the characters to be selfish and unlikable. I thought it was a depressing illustration of "love."
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Summary: A Brilliant Poignant True-life story
Review: All I have to say is that I have read this novel five times!! Each time I notice something new and my book is completely dog-eared and worn. A girlfriend gave it to me before I left to go abroad- and it has traveled with me for 6 months. There are quotes that apply to any facet of my life - from religion and love to the mind and soul-- Written On The Body has it all. I never even noticed the lack of gender though... am I the only one? I thought the narrator was a woman-- so imagine the surprise when I realized he/she was genderless--<smile> I had to read it all over again with a new mindset! *Sadly*- my copy of Jeanette Winterson's book was stolen from my dorm today. I am very very sad. Once you get a copy of this book-- you'll find yourself 'naked' without it on hand... it's absolutely brilliant!!
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Summary: the feeling is inexplicable
Review: read it. i promise that it will capture and dazzle you until the last word, and then it will stay with you forever afterwards. it will make you question yourself and all your past relationships. loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: In a college course, Writing The Body, I was assigned "Written on The Body" to read. From the first word to the last I was enthralled. The story is intriguiging and the language is intoxicating and irresistable. This is the most beautiful book I have ever read.
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Summary: A brilliant and beautiful breakdown of stereotypes and love
Review: Assigned this book in a Recent British Literature course, I can't tell you how disappointed I was that I had to wait all the way until the *end* of the semester to read it. I was so eager, I had to finally learn patience just to wait three weeks before we discussed it. This has to be one of (I should say *the*) best books I have ever read. I suggest it to everyone. For its writing, its content, its beauty, its magic. To use the art of a genderless narrator is absolutely divine and original. I can't think of any other piece of literature that has even tried to break from the stereotypes of love, of gender. Instead of getting the stereotypes, we really get to experience *LOVE* for what it truly is: an intense emotion. Rather than worrying if the boy is going to "stand up" the girl, or the girl is going to be late, Winterson analyzes love by tissue. By the body. By the spirit. So many books have tried to tell love stories, whether it be a Disney Cinderella, or a Dickens Pip and Estella. But they have not succeeded completely, impeded, stopped by the normal beliefs of everyday society. Rather than boring the life out of anyone that reads this review, I'll stop at this, the first line of the book: "Why is the measure of love loss?" Tell me, do you know? Either way, you should read this book and truly experience love in a way you never thought possible: with purity.
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