One Sentence Summary:
A young girl navigates through a series of foster homes while discovering her sense of self and identity after her mother is imprisoned.
Book Genre:
Fiction, coming-of-age, drama
Main Topic of the Book:
The book follows the story of Astrid Magnussen, a girl who is forced into the foster care system after her mother, Ingrid, is convicted of murder. It explores themes of identity, mother-daughter relationships, and the search for love and belonging.
Key Ideas:
– The impact of a mother’s absence and criminality on a child’s sense of self
– The complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the need for maternal love and guidance
– The harsh realities and challenges faced by children in the foster care system
– The power and strength of female friendships and support systems
– The quest for love, identity, and belonging in the face of adversity and trauma
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
– Part 1: Queen of the Universe
Ingrid is imprisoned for the murder of her ex-lover and Astrid is sent to live with foster mother, Starr. She soon learns to navigate the rules and dynamics of her new home and forms a close bond with Starr’s daughter, Renee.
– Part 2: The Night Creeper
Astrid is placed with foster mother, Claire, who introduces her to the art world and helps her discover her own talents in painting. However, Astrid’s relationship with fellow foster child, Paul, leads to devastating consequences.
– Part 3: Born With The Crown
Astrid is sent to live with foster mother, Marvel, who introduces her to religion and spirituality. She also learns to stand up for herself and finds a sense of independence. However, her relationship with Marvel’s grandson, Ed, leads to another heartbreaking betrayal.
– Part 4: The Water of Life
Astrid is placed with foster mother, Amelia, who teaches her the healing power of herbs. She also meets her long-lost father and begins to understand the complexities of her mother’s relationship with him. But Ingrid’s release from prison threatens to destroy Astrid’s newfound sense of stability.
– Part 5: Starchild
Astrid, now 18, begins to rebuild her life after the foster care system. She learns to accept and forgive her mother, and finds closure and healing in her art.
Key Takeaways:
– The bond between mother and daughter is a powerful force that can shape one’s identity and sense of self.
– Children in the foster care system face numerous challenges, but can still find strength and resilience through support systems and self-discovery.
– Love, forgiveness, and acceptance can help heal wounds and broken relationships.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Janet Fitch is an American author known for her works of fiction that often explore themes of love, family, and identity. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Southern California and has won numerous awards for her writing, including the PEN/Los Angeles Times Award for Best First Fiction for ‘White Oleander.’
Target Audience:
The book is targeted towards adult readers, particularly women, who are interested in coming-of-age stories and complex mother-daughter relationships.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
‘White Oleander’ was published by Little, Brown and Company in 1999.