25 pages 50 minutes read

Jeanette Winterson

The Passion

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Passion, Jeanette Winterson reimagines events from Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign through the intertwined stories of Henri, a young soldier in Napoleon's army, and Villanelle, a captivating Venetian. As they navigate war-torn Europe, they encounter disillusionment, love, and loyalty, ultimately leading to an unexpected conclusion in Venice. The novel addresses themes of war, love, and personal freedom, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and moral choices. The narrative contains sensitive themes, including discussions of war violence and the impact of trauma on mental health.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jeanette Winterson's The Passion blends historical fiction with magical realism, garnering praise for its lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling. Readers appreciate the vivid character development and the novel's exploration of love and obsession. Criticisms include a perceived lack of plot coherence and occasional ambiguity in narrative voice. Overall, a captivating, poetic read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Passion?

A reader who enjoys The Passion by Jeanette Winterson is likely captivated by lyrical prose, historical settings with a fantastical twist, and explorations of love and identity. Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje will find similar themes of romance and evocative storytelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Magical Realism

Themes

Society: Nation

Topics

History: World

LGBTQ