White Oleander

De: Janet Fitch

Narrado por: 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.

Check out more selections from Oprah's Book Club.©1999 by Janet Fitch (P)16 9; 1999 Time Warner AudioBooks (Packaging Elements Only), A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing

Reseñas de la Crítica

• An Oprah Book Club selection

"...[an] impressive first novel.... her startlingly apt language relates a story that is both intelligent and gripping." (The New York Times Book Review)

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.

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.

This is my favorite book

I love this book. I’ve been reading it over and over since it came out when I was in middle school. I don’t prefer Oprah as the narrator. The southern drawl she uses throws off the the story for me. I’d prefer a lighter younger voice.

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

Beautifully written, wonderful performance!

I read this book some years ago when it first came out, then read it again. It is poetically written and a complex and interesting storey about a daughter's relationship with her insane and controlling mother. I feel I know these characters. I was born in LA and lived West Hollywood until I was twelve...the author is right on target. Oprah's reading of this book is absolutely the best. Her beautiful voice and the way she rounds out the words make this experience like a 6 hour poetry reading. I have hundreds of audible books in my library and this is now in my top 3 favs. Rum Diarys read by Campbell Scott and Raveling read by Eric Stoltz are the other two.

Glad I read it.

I had seen the movie several years ago and decided to read the book. Excellent story.

I was disappointed.

I had picked up this book because someone had said that it was twisted. And disturbing oh, there were parts that were disturbing but I have read much more disturbing and twisted books than this it was believable, but I felt like I was left wanting so much more from this story.

Not listen to our reviews LISTEN FOR YOURSELF

This book was a good listen despite the few bad reviews telling me not to buy it. I recommend