In 1985, Jeanette Winterson published her debut novel – the groundbreaking and subversive Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit. Genre-bending and narratively bold, it garnered then-rare mainstream success for a story that was fiercely feminist and challenged traditional gender roles.  

Four decades on, Winterson remains one of our most distinguished writers, renowned for her singular voice and restless curiosity. Her work spans a vast landscape of ideas, from artificial intelligence to religion, from myth to memory.  

In this episode, hear from one of literature’s most provocative and original minds, as Winterson joins the Wheeler Centre for an exclusive Melbourne appearance at The Capitol, reflecting on her remarkable career and the themes that continue to shape her writing. 

This event was recorded on Saturday 24th May 2025 at The Capitol.

It was presented in partnership with RMIT University.

The official bookseller was Hares and Hyenas.

Featured music is 'Traveling Again' by Sarah the Illstrumenalist.

In 1985, Jeanette Winterson published her debut novel &ndash; the groundbreaking and subversive Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit. Genre-bending and narratively bold, it garnered then-rare mainstream success for a story that was fiercely feminist and challenged traditional gender roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Four decades on, Winterson remains one of our most distinguished writers, renowned for her singular voice and restless curiosity. Her work spans a vast landscape of ideas, from artificial intelligence to religion, from myth to memory.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In this episode, hear from one of literature&rsquo;s most provocative and original minds, as Winterson joins the Wheeler Centre for an exclusive Melbourne appearance at The Capitol, reflecting on her remarkable career and the themes that continue to shape her writing.&nbsp;
This event was recorded on Saturday 24th May 2025 at The Capitol.
It was presented in partnership with RMIT University.
The official bookseller was Hares and Hyenas.
Featured music is 'Traveling Again' by Sarah the Illstrumenalist.

Subscribe to the Wheeler Centre's podcast to hear full recordings of our talks, featuring the best in books, writing and ideas from Melbourne, Australia.

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