White Oleander by Janet Fitch Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of White Oleander
Book Review: Fantastic!
Summary: 5 Stars
A moving story about a daughter thrust into "the world" as her mother is thrust into prison. A story about finding yourself, finding help, finding your way, and finding your will.
Well thought out character scenarios and character personalities. Incredibly well written. Highly intelligent narration by Astrid. Although naive in some instances, she's incredibly intelligent for her age and situation.
Makes you wonder about your own situation, who shaped you 'whether loving or cruel' (as quoted in the book) and how one incident can change your life forever.
I re-read it at least twice a year. I love revisiting the characters, looking at the reading list Ingrid gives to Astrid, trying to see the importance of each book. She's a facinating character to explore and try to get inside. Although I see the story from Astrid's point of view (the daughter), I relate to her more. But Ingrid has an edge that is intriguing.
Interesting story, intriging characters, a must read if you haven't yet.
Book Review: Should be required reading for sociology, child development, and women's studies classes- a lovely, dark novel
Summary: 5 Stars
White Oleander is what the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants series wants to be. This book presents a true coming of age story in the midst of the worst circumstances- child abuse. Ingrid Magnussen, sociopathic poet, warps her daughter, Astrid, to the point of isolation. Astrid's only friends are Ingrid, Ingrid's boyfriend Barry, and neighbor Michael. The catalyst for Astrid's life changes comes when she witnesses her mother's attempts at murdering Barry. Astrid knows Ingrid is a sick woman suffering from some sort of illness, yet Astrid can't quite break her attachment to her mother. Astrid wants to warn Barry about attempts on her life, but her fildelity to Ingrid wins out.
Thus begings Astrid's descent into abusive foster homes, an excellent satire of the American social service system. We start with born-again stripper Starr, druggie Carolee, and perv-o Ray. It is in this trailer that Astrid goes through a series of firsts: chess games, bras, Jesus, molestation. Astrid desparately clings for love... whether it's from Starr, Davey, Ray, or Jesus. (FYI: Jesus is viewed as a fictional character in this book, rather than the Christ. Thus, I will describe her relationship with Jesus the man.)
After narrowly escaping with her life, Astrid goes through a series of other foster homes, each with its own set of abuse. From running flea markets to being starved for profit... to working as a domestic servant to being a suicidal woman's "babysitter"... Astrid experiences so many heartbreaking, disturbing things: drugs, neglect, prostitution.
Who will liberate Astrid from her dysfunctional life? Will she ever break free from her mother's twisted hands? When will Astrid gain the courage to tell off her mother? Will Astrid ever understand true love?
This is a beautifully written book narrated by the ever-profound Astrid Magnussen. Fitch does a superb job of satirizing social services, abusive deluded mothers, and modern feminism. I love the contrast between Astrid's true self and Ingrid's. Astrid is seeking to be part of this world- romantically, spiritually, intellectually. Ingrid will have nothing of the sort, especially when it comes to spirituality. Ingrid cannot fathom Jesus, but she also seems to misinterpret polytheism. (She says that her people, the Vikings, hung their "gods from trees".) She cannot even connect with her tarot cards because she no longer wants to know the future. Although she sticks up for Eve, she cannot connect with a goddess figure. (Astrid can; she interprets the screams of "mother" in a maternity ward as cries for the Great Mother Goddess.)
Finally,
RECOMMENDATION: Watch the movie first. It is a great summary of this deep tome.
BUYER BEWARE: Although the protagnonist is a teenager, please do not buy this book for a teen girl UNTIL YOU READ IT FOR YOURSELF. Some parts are not appropriate; make sure she is mature. I'd say it's best for sixteen and up.
Book Review: Terrible story
Summary: 1 Stars
This is the most hideous melodrama I have ever had the misfortune of reading. Although, I liked the writing and some of the story elements. It was just too much of a downer for me.
If you are seeking that burning vomitty sensation, then look no further. You have found the perfect read.
Book Review: This book was just OK
Summary: 4 Stars
The one thing I find really disturbing in this book is how the working class characters are always portrayed as bad and trashy, yet the rich are always elegant, good etc. Except for th Spanish foster lady. The ending was unsatisfying.Book Review: Thought-provoking artistic literature
Summary: 5 Stars
What can I say? White Oleander is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The first time I read it, I couldn't put it down. And each time I return to re-reading it, I still can't put it down!
Astrid's cruel, poetic mother, Ingrid, is sentenced to prison after killing her ex-boyfriend who left her for another woman. You're taken through Astrid's experiences at many foster homes. As she grows older, she learns more about herself as well as her mother, sexuality, religion, art, men, love, and the people around her, as well as her own past.
I love the way the story is written, the language is rich and poetic. The characters feel like real people. When I'm reading the book, I often have to remind myself that it's not a real story, because it seems so real!
My review doesn't even give this book justice. I seriously recommend this novel.
Bravo to Janet Fitch!