66 pages • 2 hours read
White Oleander
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1990s
1999
YA
18+ years
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
362,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
362,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1990s
1999
YA
18+ years
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