Growing up in the lower-middle class of London creates many obstacles as it is. That paired with a demanding mother, and a father who is a recovering alcoholic is where Jeanette Winterson finds herself for most of her childhood. Through the events Jeanette Winterson encounters with her parents in her memoir Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal?, the outlasting role that a guardian has on a child becomes very evident. Throughout the memoir Jeanette has the tendency to always disappoint her mother. Since her father does not tend to get involved, her mother has complete control over the house which leads to very strict guidelines. The choices she makes almost always go against what her mother says or does. However, it really is not surprising