2026 Reading Challenge
White Oleander

Questions About White Oleander

by Janet Fitch (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (13)

What do you think of Ray and his relationship with Astrid?
Marion Marshall I think Ray's "relationship" (PEDOPHILIA) with Astrid would have made a much better addition to the novel if it had been handled more skillfully. Fitc…moreI think Ray's "relationship" (PEDOPHILIA) with Astrid would have made a much better addition to the novel if it had been handled more skillfully. Fitch seemed to excuse Ray's actions because Astrid was ~~more mature~~ than the average child (WHICH IS AN EXCUSE PEDOPHILES USE) but at no point in the novel did she ever offer an opinion or reflection that countered that notion. It would have been fine if Astrid had gone on believing that the relationship was sweet and loving even though it was irresponsible on Ray's part (and yes, entirely his fault). All Fitch needed to do was provide a nod to the reader that, "Hey, Astrid thinks one thing, but here's REALITY"; the reality is that pedophilia is never excusable. The power imbalance between a child and an adult means that the relationship can never be consensual.

Fuck anyone who says otherwise.(less)
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do you think mark was really leaving Claire and having an affair? Do you think postpartum played a role in Ingrid leaving Astrid for that year?
Dani
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
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Does anyone else think this book deserves a netflix remake? The only thing i really like about the first movie was how well Michelle Pfeiffer captured Ingrids angry artist sociopathic behavior. Other then that there were huge chunks skipped in the book. They don't mention her apartment neighbor who read books on tape, the time spent with her foster mother Marvel or Ameila, or her 2nd affair with Sergei.
Bailey I completely agree. Michelle Pfeiffer was really well cast as Ingrid but I feel like a movie doesn't give enough time to properly explore the people a…moreI completely agree. Michelle Pfeiffer was really well cast as Ingrid but I feel like a movie doesn't give enough time to properly explore the people and experiences that shaped Astrid at each of her foster homes.
I mean, where was everything that shaped her with Marvel and Olivia? Amelia and the starving girls? As you said, it didn't explore Sergei or her wider approach towards men throughout the book.

I also think we needed more time to appreciate the fall out between Astrid and Ingrid. In the book it is Astrid slowly learning (through letters) how toxic Ingrid is. It happens long before Claire ever meets Ingrid and I think the movie couldn't show the subtlety in Astrid's changing opinion of her mother because it was pushed into a 2hr slot.

A longer TV series of 4 x 1hr shows (for example) could properly show this and I know the book made me think more about the varied 'luck' of foster children, I would really hope that would come across in an on-screen adaptation.(less)
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On page 32, what do you think Barry means when he says "It's not going to work"? why do you think barry left ingrid in the first place?
Bug I think Barry meant that whatever Ingrid was planning to win him back wasn't going to work. Maybe he left Ingrid because she was so complicated? Ingri…moreI think Barry meant that whatever Ingrid was planning to win him back wasn't going to work. Maybe he left Ingrid because she was so complicated? Ingrid did mention that Barry was seeing simpler girls after they split.(less)
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Are there any books similar to this one? Because hell I loved it <3
Marion Marshall Maybe check out "Boy, Snow, Bird" by Helen Oyeyemi? That book shares the figure of a Bad Mother. Or Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch" -- it has a slow beg…moreMaybe check out "Boy, Snow, Bird" by Helen Oyeyemi? That book shares the figure of a Bad Mother. Or Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch" -- it has a slow beginning, but if you can slog through that first couple chapters then it picks up; it's similar to "White Oleander" in that it has the orphan character and describes similar desolation as well as being a coming of age story.(less)
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