Exactly how steamy is this story?
PG
While there are no overt references to sex (or graphic sex scenes) in Annie John, it is not a completely chaste book. Kinkaid keeps things ambiguous, particularly about when it comes to Annie's burgeoning sexuality. When asked about the possible lesbianism in her book, Jamaica Kincaid quipped that readers are interpreting the book much too literally.
In other words, Kinkaid is leaving it up to you. She's not giving you any answers. Interpret as you wish; go nuts. Just remember that Jamaica Kinkaid will roll her eyes at you if you go the literal route ("There is only one answer: must find correct answer") instead of ambiguous one ("How many different answers can I find? How many different questions can I ask?")