The title of the book is White Oleander. White Oleander was originally published in hardcover by Little, Brown and Company. The novel was published in New York. The novel was published in April of 1999.
Astrid Magnussen is the main character in White Oleander. She goes through many achievements, emotions, downfalls, and maturing at a very young age throughout her life. Astrid was only thirteen when her mother, Ingrid was sent to prison for killing the man she was dating. Astrid is sent to multiple foster homes where she faces many different situations. Through foster homes she finds her true self and potential she never knew she had.
Astrid use to draw to get her mind off her mother and to escape her life. She loved to draw and paint people who she was staying with. Astrid slowly became an artist. She was so talented at the subject that one of her foster mothers sent her to an adult painting class. Astrid compares to Joseph Barbera, an artist who draws cartoons for a living. Astrid and Joseph compare to each other because they both have a love for art. They are both successful in life. .
An incident that changed Astrid's life and turned the book upside down was when Claire Richards committed suicide(288). Claire was one of Astrid's foster mothers, Astrid and Claire got along well. Claire was the only foster mother who actually cared for Astrid (207). This incident was important in Astrid's life, it ruined her hopes about being adopted by Claire. Astrid thought she would never have to return to a receiving home, but she did after Claire died(297).