As
a writer, I'm constantly being torn between different genres. Sometimes I feel
inclined to write poetry and other times I'm ready to throw myself into the
chaos of writing a novel. Up until a few years ago, I had always believed I
needed to keep these two forms very separate. It was reading White Oleander by Janet Fitch that really changed
that perspective.
What
White Oleander does beautifully is
capture the complexity of plot and characters that fiction focuses on and ties
it with the imagery and smart use of language that good poetry is known for. I've read other novels in the past that try and accomplish the same thing but come
across as trying too hard. How Fitch makes her novel work is by including a
character whose entire identity is wrapped into being a poet. The character’s daughter
grows up knowing little more than the world her mother presents to her and so
the telling of her story is told in the poetic language of her mother. How the
novel is written becomes a symbol of the struggle Astrid goes through trying to
find her own way in the world after mother betrays her because she’s still greatly
influenced by her.
There are
many reasons I would recommend this novel, not just on the basis of its
language. It brings to life two dynamic female characters as well the battle
for power between them. It also presents a plot that twists and turns with
surprises and emotion. I don’t know if it’s a novel I could’ve written myself
but it’s one I’m greatly inspired by. It’s taught me how to tie poetry into a
great novel but also not to be reliant on language because when you strip White Oleander down to its bones, you’re
still left with a great story.
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