White Oleander

By: Janet Fitch

Narrated by: Oprah Winfrey

The unforgettable story of a young woman's odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes on her journey to redemption.
Astrid is the only child of a single mother, Ingrid, a brilliant, obsessed poet who wields her luminous beauty to intimidate and manipulate men. Astrid worships her mother and cherishes their private world full of ritual and mystery - but their idyll is shattered when Astrid's mother falls apart over a lover. Deranged by rejection, Ingrid murders the man, and is sentenced to life in prison. White Oleander is the unforgettable story of Astrid's journey through a series of foster homes and her efforts to find a place for herself in impossible circumstances. Each home is its own universe, with a new set of laws and lessons to be learned. With determination and humor, Astrid confronts the challenges of loneliness and poverty, and strives to learn who a motherless child in an indifferent world can become. Oprah Winfrey enjoyed this gripping first novel so much that she not only made it her book club pick, she asked if she could narrate the audio release.

Incredible.

Incredible writing, superbly delivered by Oprah. From the first few Iines, I knew this was going to be an experience. The word choice is impeccable and Oprah's voice... Couldn't be better

You can't pick your family

Definitely a good story about family relationship, specifically mother and child. The story kept my interest because I really wanted to how this manipulative, unnatural hold would be broken.

A thoroughly compelling novel

Brilliant narration a thoroughly compelling story and instant classic the moment because it was unleashed upon the world A thoroughly engaging narrative that sees young Astrid go from nightmarish scenario to nightmarish scenario as she makes her way through the foster system. A realistic depiction of what wife was probably like for a number of children that were yes sent through the foster system and this is just an example of where things can go wrong as Astrid has to overcome cataclysmic situation time and time again truly inspiring story that I’d recommend to basically anyone

drags towards the end

the book is ok.
narration is good
story is ok
drags a lot towards the end

Abridged

If I had known this would be abridged I wouldn't have gotten it. This is one of my absolute favorite books and I was excited to listen to it while I worked but it slips so much content I'm disappointed. I wish it had been marked or something.