The Rock, Book Review Example

Jeanette Winterson’s novels have established her as one of the renowned and young writers in the world literature. “The Passion” is one of her most prominent work, a modern classic that revolves round the Napoleon era. It was published in 1987. The novel weaves the journey of two wayward, androgynous 19th century vagabonds who are in search of their destiny in a post-Napoleonic Wars Venice. It is the twisted, tangled love story of Henri – a simple French soldier, who follows Napoleon from triumph to ruins in Russia; and Villanelle – the red haired, web footed daughter of a Venetian boatman. Winterson in her charismatic vision developed a unique novel that transcends a perfect combination of reality and imagination. Though it was not a historical novel, it just used history as invented space.

The chapter “Rock” from the book reveals a heartfelt tale of two estranged people, in endless love and apathy for one another. The chapter is named so as Henri is in confinement in a cramped cell atop “the rock,” overlooking the lagoon of Venice. Henri is reminiscent of the days of happiness, uncertainty and sorrow. He remembers the day when both he and Villanelle kills the cook (Villanelle’s husband), “We left him where he lay, face up, his heart beside him, and Villanelle wrapped me to her as we walked, to comfort me and to conceal some of the blood on my clothes” (Winterson 136)

He is also nostalgic of the good times they shared after both had fled captivity. The love and passion that they shared during that time, “when we passed anyone she threw me against the wall and kissed me passionately…In this way we made love” (Winterson 136), showed how inexplicable and touchy Henri was about Villanelle.

For the few days they had spent together in the home of Villanelles parents, it was the best time in Henri’s life. In spite of the fear of being charged with murder, they enjoyed every single moment, “we spent the few days that followed cramming our bodies with pleasure” (Winterson 136).  Henri knew that Villanelle could never reciprocate his love as her heart lies with someone else, but that did not stop him from loving her; nor did he hesitate to receive the punishment for the murder that they had committed together, “I killed him, I said, I stabbed him and I cut out his heart. Shall I show you the shape of I made in his chest?” (Winterson 138)

Henri proved that real love lies in sacrifice, and that is what he intended to do for Villanelle. For one instance he did not think that he was giving up his life, his dreams and his aspirations to solitary confinement. His profound love and sacrifice for Villanelle brings a strange emotional tiff in the hearts of the readers and they sympathize with his emotions. We feel remorse for him when he is contented with an occasional friendly wave with Villanelle, who sails by in the lagoon far below his unbarred window.  Villanelle comes to visit him often in the jail, and lands up having a red haired daughter with Henri, but she till the end refuses to marry him.

Villanelle plans escape for Henri, but he denies to flee indulge as he comes to know that Villanelle had no plans to marry Henri. Villanelle is a very strong character. She dominates Henri, the principal male character, both sexually and non-sexually. She is a highly independent woman, construing and living on her own which is a contrast with the traditional weak literary image of women as compared to males. Villanelle emotionally more powerful than Henri, conveyed an image of great physical strength. Moreover she was intelligent and smart enough to construe the plan of Henri’s escape.