This haunting novel explores the complexities and beauty of one of the most important relationships known to human beings: the mother/daughter relationship. However, some people never live to experience this bond for various reasons.
We see life unfolding through the eyes and narrative of Astrid, a teenager loved yet burdened by her mother. She must painfully navigate life after her mother is arrested for murder. Her journey of self-discovery and identity is impacted by various characters she meets in foster care. Fitch’s writing is poetic and compelling, detailing the artistic abilities of both Ingrid (Astrid’s mother) and Astrid, as well as Ingrid’s manipulative habits in trying to define Astrid. Although Astrid makes many mistakes in attempting to define herself, she does not view her actions as errors; rather, she sees them as the cards she was dealt, her circumstances resulting from her mother’s selfish decisions. She loves her mother. She is inspired by her and drawn to her, yet she wants to break away from her.
Fitch maintains the symbolism of the beauty and danger, or toxicity, of the oleander plant. Astrid learns that life is indeed full of rewarding moments that can be pleasant, but the thorns of life may leave you a wounded soul, much like her relationship with her mother. Astrid’s journey, as she searches for love, connection, safety, and the need to be understood and seen, makes her character relatable to readers. She makes friendships along the way, but none of them last. I first read “White Oleander” when I was 19 or 20 thereabout and re-read it much later in my thirties. It still felt emotionally charged because it has stayed with me all these years, reminding me of the fragility of life.
