White Oleander

Books | Fiction / Women

3.8

(6.7K)

Janet Fitch

The unforgettable story of a young woman's odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes on her journey to redemption.Astrid is the only child of a single mother, Ingrid, a brilliant, obsessed poet who wields her luminous beauty to intimidate and manipulate men. Astrid worships her mother and cherishes their private world full of ritual and mystery - but their idyll is shattered when Astrid's mother falls apart over a lover. Deranged by rejection, Ingrid murders the man, and is sentenced to life in prison. White Oleander is the unforgettable story of Astrid's journey through a series of foster homes and her efforts to find a place for herself in impossible circumstances. Each home is its own universe, with a new set of laws and lessons to be learned. With determination and humor, Astrid confronts the challenges of loneliness and poverty, and strives to learn who a motherless child in an indifferent world can become. Oprah Winfrey enjoyed this gripping first novel so much that she not only made it her book club pick, she asked if she could narrate the audio release.

Mental Health

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More Details:

Author

Janet Fitch

Pages

480

Publisher

Little, Brown

Published Date

2006-09-01

ISBN

0759568170 9780759568174

Ratings

Google: 4.5

Community ReviewsSee all

"This story really digs deep into the experiences of a foster child by capturing the bond that exists between a mother and child and then the loneliness and despair felt by that child when taken from her mother's care and put into the care of others…most who ultimately don’t care what happens to her. This book is heavy and so well-written. It may not be a new release or talked about much anymore, but it is one to read. "

Katie Harrison

"Consequences of female rage against a man imposed upon her only child, who must then maneuver through the foster care system. Heartbreaking, believable, ultimately inspiring. Phenomenal book."

Anne G

"I hated the ending!!!! I was so sad for Astrid’s life and for her mother to get away at the end!!! Astrid such a sweet girl "

I a

Inez alvarez

"This is a fantastic read! It kept me wanting to read more to find out what happens to Astrid and how her relationship with her mother plays out. And everything in between is heart wrenching but Astrid’s strength is so overwhelming brave. "