mandimartin's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the beauty of the language in this novel as well as the protagonists unique view points of the events unfolding around her. The book had a coolness, poise almost to it that completely paralleled the expected emotion of the events. The characters of Astrid and Ingrid are too rich for reality, yet the author brought them to life to seem somehow muted. I loved reading a book that finally brought depth to a teenage girl, even if it was beyond possibility.
ktann11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hadu's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book when I was a senior in high school. We were taking a poetry course in my English class at the time and my teacher suggested we read it. I've read it 2 or 3 more times since then and I never get sick of it. It's always fun to dive back into the turmoil Astrid goes through as the writing is captivating and always makes me want to start writing again.
magsmybags's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
probablyromance's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book every few years and it always is a meaningful experience. It has an uncanny way of aging with me from my early 20’s and through motherhood. Characters, environment, and prose are all woven together to create an emotional experience every chapter. This one will always stay with you.
eviethevampire's review against another edition
5.0
This book explores the life of a 12 year old girl (Astrid) who spends six years in foster care after her mother (Ingrid) murdered her boyfriend and went to prison. Its a book about self discovery and how we as people go through the process of trying on different personalities and masks as we try to find who we are as people. In the end you find that you take a little bit from every personality and a little bit from every person that teaches you something in the world and we bare the scars from each point in our lives. It's also a book about relationships, particularly mother-daughter relationships, but overall how important they are. This book was written so beautifully. There is so much to understand and learn from both Astrid and her mother Ingrid. The way that they view the world as artist and poet is amazingly described through a very poetic writing style in itself. Which I find ironic since the book is written from Astrid's point of view who in her mother's mind is not a poet at all. I loved it and would recommend it to artists, poets, and book lovers alike!
mipsukka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scottyhollywood's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stolenwater's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fitch knows and loves Los Angeles intimately and it shows. There is such a dreamy, romantic quality to the style of writing and the characters I didn't want the book to end.
White Oleander really illustrates how much parents and parental figures imprint on their children.
It is an absolutely gorgeous novel, and one of my favorites of all time.
White Oleander really illustrates how much parents and parental figures imprint on their children.
It is an absolutely gorgeous novel, and one of my favorites of all time.