In the first essay she describes first being captivated by visual art, and she does a fine job of conveying the discovery, the sense of wonder and beauty. Her passion is admirable, though not entirely convincing. What surprises, perhaps, is what a reactionary soul Winterson is. It does seem to be the popular notion of Ulysses , so perhaps Winterson is not wrong, but we find her dismissal too simplistic. Art does not imitate life.
Art anticipates life.
It's a sentiment we can live with, an idea and an ideal. Winterson explains it well enough, without being wholly convincing. And she expresses it seductively well, which both helps and obscures matters. There is also an element of autobiography to this collection. It pops up throughout the essays, and dominates several.