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White Oleander

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Janet Fitch

White Oleander

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

White Oleander by Janet Fitch tells the story of Astrid, a young girl who, after her mother Ingrid's imprisonment for murder, navigates a series of challenging and often abusive foster homes, grappling with issues of identity, resilience, and belonging. Sensitive topics include sexual assault, self-harm, and parental neglect.

Emotional

Dark

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

362,809 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

White Oleander by Janet Fitch is lauded for its poetic prose and rich character development, particularly of its protagonist, Astrid. Critics praise its exploration of themes like identity and resilience. However, some find the narrative bleak and overly melodramatic. Overall, it’s a powerful, introspective read, though its dark tone may not appeal to everyone.

Who should read this

Who Should Read White Oleander?

A reader who would enjoy White Oleander by Janet Fitch is captivated by emotionally intense, character-driven narratives and coming-of-age tales with a dark, lyrical edge. Fans of books like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Secret History by Donna Tartt will find similar depth and poignancy.

4.2

362,809 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Astrid

The protagonist and narrator, who starts the story deeply reliant on her mother and evolves through various foster care experiences, exploring her identity and artistic talents.

Astrid’s mother, an enigmatic poet whose arrest dramatically alters Astrid's life, characterized by her intense personality and complex relationship with her daughter.

One of Astrid's foster mothers, Claire is an actress who provides emotional support and stability, fostering Astrid's educational and artistic development.

Starr’s boyfriend at Astrid's first foster home, who becomes inappropriately involved with Astrid, marking a pivotal and troubling chapter in her early life.

Astrid’s final foster mother before independence, she offers a pragmatic but supportive environment in a modest part of Los Angeles.

Astrid’s first foster mother who preaches Christianity but struggles with maintaining a stable environment due to past addiction issues.

Astrid's neighbor at Marvel’s house, whose lifestyle and conversations influence Astrid during a brief but meaningful friendship.

A fellow foster child at Rena's home, she shares a sisterly bond with Astrid, providing insights into resilience and motherhood.

A foster mother who provides a seemingly normal household, but her prejudices and strictness lead to a strained relationship with Astrid.

Claire's often-absent husband, involved in documentary filming, who struggles to provide the support Claire needs.

Starr’s eldest daughter who shares a room with Astrid at her first foster placement, often distant from family conflicts.

Starr’s son who connects with Astrid and forms an emotionally supportive friendship during her early days in foster care.

Astrid's love interest towards the end of the narrative, sharing her artistic sensibilities and experiences in foster care.

A neglectful foster mother whose lack of care compels Astrid to advocate for her own needs in a difficult environment.

A fellow foster child at Rena's home who becomes close friends with Astrid, bonding over shared experiences and challenges.

Ingrid’s former lover whose relationship with her catalyzes major events in Astrid's life, despite his brief presence in the story.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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