Everywhere hailed as a novel of rare beauty and power, WHITE OLEANDER tells the unforgettable story of Ingrid, a brilliant poet imprisoned for murder, and her daughter, Astrid, who's odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes--each its own universe, with its own laws, its own dangers, its own hard lessons to be learned--becomes a redeeming and surprising journey of self-discovery.
Nancy K. (NancyInWI) from SUSSEX, WI wrote on 6/6/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Depressing as are most of Oprah's picks.
Angela M. from COLLINSVILLE, IL wrote on 4/12/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a fascinating book about a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. It's one of my favorites!
Abigail G. from COBLESKILL, NY wrote on 11/9/2005...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a fantastic read. Tragically beautiful descriptions and realistic relationships. Astrid's journey through the different foster homes and her struggle to fit in with each is something we can all relate to in some way. The struggles Astrid goes through with her mother are equally captivating. Anyone who enjoyed The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath will find something to love in this book.
Glenda B. (zzemom) from LUFKIN, TX wrote on 7/19/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I missed the movie and just now found time to read the book. Now I know why it stayed so long on the best seller list - it is painfully awesome. Do mothers like Ingrid really exist? Are the foster systems in the US really that terrible...the case workers that unfeeling? I pray no is the answer....
Simne L. from NEW YORK, NY wrote on 4/16/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful book. I learned so much about the foster care system.
Mary B. from TAKOMA PARK, MD wrote on 1/2/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
very gripping, yet disturbing novel about a girl's journey through foster care while her mother is in prison.
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Deborah A. (metaphysicalmama) from SARASOTA, FL wrote on 6/7/2008...
This book is exquisitely written, and although not a "happy" book, the ending was hopeful. An unique telling of the "coming-of-age" story that will give you pause to examine your own life.
Charlotte K. wrote on 5/12/2008...
This is a beautifully written, heartwrenching tale. The gripping and intellegent language sets it apart as we turn each page hoping for Astrid's release from Ingrid's poisonous love. Very unique!
Christina C. (cottre26) from HASLETT, MI wrote on 5/2/2008...
This book was hard to get through. I liked the movie better.
Michelle S. (michellerenee) from WILMINGTON, NC wrote on 4/1/2008...
Ms. Fitch writes with hauntingly poetic prose that is a beauty in itself.
Greta S. from BATESVILLE, AR wrote on 3/21/2008...
The story of Ingrid, a brilliant poet imprisoned for murder, and her daughter, Astrid, who makes her own journey through a series of foster homes.
White oleander, a beautiful but poisonous plant, is a metaphor for motherhood in this first novel by Janet Fitch.
Judy B. (jdyinva) from VIRGINIA BCH, VA wrote on 2/18/2008...
Powerful; disturbing. Opened my eyes to what goes on in the foster care system. Am thanking God for my safe home.
Christie G. (christie) from BELLINGHAM, MN wrote on 2/12/2008...
This is one of my favorite books. If you saw the movie, the book (as usual) is much better.
Morgan W. (mwelte79) from RICHLAND CTR, WI wrote on 11/11/2007...
This is a great book. If you've seen the movie and liked it, the book is even better!
Patricia W. (flutterbug) from PHILADELPHIA, PA wrote on 10/4/2007...
Much, much better than the movie.
Irene W. from LIVINGSTON, TX wrote on 9/24/2007...
I loved this book! But a friend of mine had seen the movie, and did not care for the story. I watched the movie and can understqand why. The movie was exerpts from the book, word for word, but left out the heart and soul of the book. The copy I have is pre-movie, and as such, does not have the movie picture on the front. Also, it is a little worn, but I would still classify it as "good". No rips, water-damage, or missing pages.