66 pages 2 hours read

Janet Fitch

White Oleander

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Modern Classic Fiction

Drama / Tragedy

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Relationships: Daughters & Sons

Life/Time: Mortality & Death