Renowned author Jeanette Winterson delves into pressing global issues in her latest work, One Aladdin Two Lamps, blending elements of memoir, political commentary, and a reimagining of classic tales. The book, published by Jonathan Cape on September 21, 2023, is both a reflection on contemporary challenges and a retelling of the ancient stories from One Thousand and One Nights that influenced Winterson during her upbringing.
The narrative opens with a vivid description of three adventurers who stumble upon the eerie City of Brass, filled with corpses and decay. “A bony hand protrudes, a skull turns away from the sun,” Winterson writes, setting a haunting tone. The author explicitly states that this tale serves as a commentary on climate breakdown, artificial intelligence, and the various forms of greed that plague modern society. “This is a story about arrogance. About humility. Greed. Adventure. Big Tech,” Winterson asserts, making her intentions clear.
Winterson’s storytelling frequently pauses at pivotal moments, interrupting the narrative to address the dire state of the world, which can be frustrating for readers eager to immerse themselves in the plot. “We are living in the City of Brass,” she notes, reinforcing her bleak perspective. The book juxtaposes modern dilemmas against the backdrop of classic fables, allowing her to draw parallels between mystical elements and real-world issues.
The story draws inspiration from the character of Shahrazad, who cleverly prolongs her life by captivating the king Shahryar with nightly tales. This structure serves as a framework for Winterson to modernize some of these stories, infusing them with contemporary relevance. In one retelling, a simple act leads to tragic consequences when a merchant inadvertently kills a passer-by after discarding a date stone. This incident summons an ifrit, demanding retribution—a theme that resonates with today’s discussions around justice and accountability.
Winterson’s commentary extends to modern social issues, particularly regarding women’s rights. She writes, “In those days you could buy/bargain/own outright someone else’s body parts including their fluids.” This remark draws a parallel to ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights in the United States, demonstrating her ability to weave political commentary into the fabric of her narrative.
While the author has previously tackled fables with greater success, such as in her acclaimed novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1985), One Aladdin Two Lamps feels less impactful. The earlier work artfully intertwined personal stories with religious and fairy tale motifs. In contrast, this latest offering often feels like a series of political rants that disrupt the flow of the narrative, leaving readers yearning for more story and less exposition.
Winterson’s reflections on societal issues include critiques of neoliberalism and its consequences. “I don’t criticise young people. My generation has done serious damage to the values of civic society,” she writes, acknowledging the disillusionment felt by many today. Figures such as Greta Thunberg, Alan Turing, and Ada Lovelace are referenced as modern heroes, connecting their quests for change to the adventurous spirits of the past.
Despite the interruptions for political commentary, Winterson’s sharp wit and humor shine through in moments that recall her earlier works. For instance, she humorously describes her mother’s biblical exhortations displayed in the bathroom, illustrating the tension between personal upbringing and the broader societal themes she explores.
As One Aladdin Two Lamps unfolds, the narrative’s interruptions become increasingly frustrating, mirroring the plight of Shahryar, who waits anxiously for the completion of Shahrazad’s tales. This approach raises questions about the effectiveness of merging storytelling with political discourse.
Jeanette Winterson’s latest work invites readers to ponder the intersections of myth and modern life, yet it occasionally falters in its execution. While her intentions are noble, the balance between narrative and commentary may leave some readers craving more of the enchanting tales that captivated them in childhood.
With a page count of 272 and a retail price of £18.99, One Aladdin Two Lamps is available for purchase from various retailers, including independent bookshops.
