[mobertol]

I have just read the first three chapters from Sue's much-appreciated link. I think it's brilliant and will read the rest. She is an amazing writer and her scope and use of language is unique -it spirals around and draws you in and I can identify with many of the people and places.
I don't get "victim" coming through at all, some flashes of anger and wry humour are there and also some nice things about Mrs. Winterson - undoubtedly her reading to Jeanette as a child was very powerful in shaping the direction her life took.
She has dedicated the book to three people one of whom is Constance Winterson and that is very significant - for a writer to dedicate their book to someone is a very important and emotionally charged decision. That person or persons is usually instrumental in the inspiration of the writing and its execution -the two are inextricably linked.