Review: White Oleander

Title: White Oleander
Author: Janet Fitch
Format: Paperback
Pages: 446
Date(s) Read: July 21-24, 2015
Rating: 4

Summary: 

Ingrid is a brilliant poet, however, she is also locked up for murder.  Astrid, her daughter goes through a series of Los Angeles foster homes.  Each home a unique experience.  This is the story of their journeys and self-discovery...though mostly Astrid. 

Review: 

This is one of the few books where I've seen the movie before I realized it was a book.  However, I liked the movie and I honestly really, really liked the book.  This book is absolutely stunning, and I can say the same for the movie.  However, this is not the review for the movie...it is for the book. 

There are many reasons I love this book and have often found my thoughts returning to it and the story it offers.  In this day and age, we take so many things for granted.  Home.  Family.  Safety.  In this story, it makes us question how solid these things really are for us.  At any given point we can lose any number of these things, and this ultimately puts things in so much perspective. 

The story in itself is beautifully written.  It almost reads like poetry..almost.  The prose easily draws you in, and forces you to become part of the story.  To follow your own journey of self-discovery along with Astrid.  You can't help but find yourself drawn so effortlessly into the story, to feel the descriptions as if you were living them yourself.  The sweltering heat of the California summer in August. That hot, sweltering breath against your neck...sticky and miserable. 

This, is not an easy read.  Not by any means, and you'll find yourself hardened at times.  However, it is something that should be read.  It is the kind of book that tears you apart, but ultimately puts you back together again...stronger than you were before.  Your heart will ultimately thank you for what you've read.