25 pages • 50 minutes read
Jeanette WintersonThe Passion
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.