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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I first heard about White Oleander a few years ago whenever I saw the movie on TV. Whenever I found out that the story was originally a book, I decided that I wanted to read it (which almost always happens).
In general, White Oleander was a well written book. Sometimes, though, the descriptive language was overdone. I'm unsure of whether or not this is Fitch's style of writing or if it's somehow related to this story (Astrid's mother, Ingrid, is a poet after all).
I really enjoyed the story. While it did seem to drag a bit in some places, I understand that it does cover an extensive part of Astrid's life (the better part of nine years, I believe). I also feel like a chunk of the book could be removed (any chunk, just pick a chunk) and you'd still end up the with same storyline.
As far as the ending goes, it wasn't the best. I feel like the ending of the book was very rushed. It didn't really match the pace set by the rest of the story. When I reached the end of the book, I was sort of left with the feeling of "that's it?".
Overall, though, I would recommend this book. Even with its flaws, it's still interesting enough and written well enough to be enjoyed by most people. Keep it mind, though, that's not sunshine and rainbows at all. If that's what you're looking for, you'll be sorely disappointed.
In general, White Oleander was a well written book. Sometimes, though, the descriptive language was overdone. I'm unsure of whether or not this is Fitch's style of writing or if it's somehow related to this story (Astrid's mother, Ingrid, is a poet after all).
I really enjoyed the story. While it did seem to drag a bit in some places, I understand that it does cover an extensive part of Astrid's life (the better part of nine years, I believe). I also feel like a chunk of the book could be removed (any chunk, just pick a chunk) and you'd still end up the with same storyline.
As far as the ending goes, it wasn't the best. I feel like the ending of the book was very rushed. It didn't really match the pace set by the rest of the story. When I reached the end of the book, I was sort of left with the feeling of "that's it?".
Overall, though, I would recommend this book. Even with its flaws, it's still interesting enough and written well enough to be enjoyed by most people. Keep it mind, though, that's not sunshine and rainbows at all. If that's what you're looking for, you'll be sorely disappointed.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sometimes you need to re-read a favorite book and fall in love again.
I am so honored to have read this book in my lifetime. The life of the main character is whimsical yet sad. This novel really shows how much humans can survive through. A beautiful, gut wrenching story.
Tarinan alku oli pitkäveteinen, hieman ennen puoliväliä nappasi mukaansa, mutta lässähti taas loppuun päin mentäessä. Kirjan runollisesta kirjoitustyylistä plussaa, mutta myös miinusta - liika on liikaa. Kasvutarinat ovat usein kivoja, niin myös tämäkin. Kolme tähteä, koska välillä tylsyys iski tätä lukiessa ja koska tämä oli paikoitellen liian runollinen.