06.10.2011

RESEARCH BEFORE READING: dedication and quotations

Philippa Brewster, the publisher who 'discovered' the young Jeanette Winterson: as Literary Editor, Philippa has worked closely with her.

Isabella Beeton wrote The Book of Household Management between 1836 and 1865, first published in a Bound Edition 1861. It is a book in which mrs Beeton displayed several recipes to cook a large variety of food. She wrote some recipes referring to oranges, in particular about how to make orange marmalade. The quotation at the beginning is taken from the book.

Translation: quando vengono utilizzate le bucce/scorze spesse la parte superiore dev’essere levigata con cura, oppure si formerà una patina che si fonderà con l’aspetto finale.

The Nell Gwynn’s initial quotation gives the title to the novel: Oranges are not the only fruit. Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn (or Gwynn or Gwynne) (2 February 1650 – 14 November 1687) was an actress and long-time mistress of King Charles II of England. She has been called a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella.