Before White Oleander, I wouldn’t have believed I could have become so emotionally invested in a meandering coming of age epic about a 14-year-old orphan (Astrid) as she moves from home to home for one reason or another. The truth is, I only read this book because it was recommended by a friend and, as someone who will read literally anything, I knew I’d get through it without any problem – but I certainly didn’t expect to fall madly in love with it.
But I did. I was riveted from page one and couldn’t put the damned thing down.
I loved following Astrid to each of her new foster homes and watching her grow from the dysfunction and chaos around her. With each move, she meets new people, all of whom shape her in new ways – ways that ultimately help her understand her relationship with her own toxic, narcissistic mother (Ingrid), who has been imprisoned for murder hundreds of miles away.
While the plot is solid enough to stand up on its own, what really captured me here were the characters. These are real people, motivated in real ways, with all the necessary layers to make them well-rounded, dynamic, and believable. If I ever get the chance to meet Janet Fitch, I’d like to shake her hand and thank her for writing such an excellent character study.
Five full stars. I recommend White Oleander to, well, anyone who likes reading books with good plots and great characters.
For more recommendations, visit Alistair on BookBub.
Thorne & Cross 