This is the book that inspired one of my favorite movies, White Oleanders.
The story is about a girl, Astrid, who lives with her mother,Ingrid, whom she puts on a goddess like pedestal. Her mother thinks that Astrid belongs to her, body and soul, and exposes Astrid in her public poetry readings. Ingrid is a solid femanist who falls for a man named Barry. When Barry leaves Ingrid, she loses her mind. She takes oleanders and takes the nectar, a deadly poison, and puts it on almost ever surface in his house. She even soaks flowers in his milk. It eventually leads to his death.
Ingrid is taken to jail for his murder, which makes Astrid go into the foster care system. There she lives with an extremely religious former stripper and alcoholic, a racist who uses Astrid for free labor, an emotionally unstable actress, and someone who Astrid picks because she doesn't want to be a part of a nuclear family.
This book has some of the most vivid and poetic language. When Astrid lives with the rasicst, Marvel, Astrid finds refuge in her next door neightbor, Olivia, who happens to be a hooker. Olivaia once told Astrid
"...a magician doesn't buy magic. Admire the skill of a fellow magician, but never fall under his spell." (Fitch)
Another quote is from a letter from Ingrid to Astrid.
"...Take notes. Remember it all, every insult, every tear. Tattoo it on the inside of your mind. In life, knowledge of poisons is essential..." (Finch)
This book is not for the faint of heart. It has a very adult theme. I recommend this for a mature peson who wants to see someone go threw hell and come out stronger. Watch a young girl finally see who her mother really is. Astrid grows up very fast, having two affirs with her foster moms boyfriends.
Astrid dose get her happly ever after by moving to Berlin, Germany with her boyfriend. There she takes suitcases and makes art out of them to depict the events from the time her mom gets arrested, to when she's out of the system.
This is not a happy story, but it will make you take anther look at your life. IT will make you see things for what they really are. Both the good and the bad.
Work Cited
Fitch, Janet. Kindle fire edition. Location 2205 & 1965.
I've never read this book or have seen the movie, but now I'm intrigued. You're right: these *are* adult themes, and I like how you've included quotes to show the phrasing is poetic.
ReplyDeleteA note: isn't the book and movie actually called White Oleander? The subtle difference will mean a lot to readers who like it as much as you: your accuracy will reflect your believability...