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. I've loved the years I've spent with Marina, and I hope you find it as satisfying to read as it was to create.

We meet her in 1916, in the midst of the First World War, as Russia sinks further and further into military disaster, economic stress and social unrest.Without her hesitation, Ingrid tells the true story, which never crossed her mind, about Astrid’s childhood. Thirteen-year-old Astrid Magnussen, the sensitive and heart-wrenching narrator of this impressive debut, is burdened with an impossible mother in Ingrid, a beautiful, gifted poet whose scattered life is governed by an enormous ego. Astrid attends church with Starr, gets baptized, and temporarily becomes Christian, preaching to her mother in letters and feeling guilty for not warning Barry.

Ingrid is strong‚ beautiful‚ and self-possessed‚ but she acts as a poison to everyone around her‚ especially her impressionable daughter‚ Astrid‚ who idolizes her mother. One evil stepmother leads to another in this tale of adversity and just when Astrid’s prospects brighten under a shining sun‚ the clouds roll in and it begins to rain.Ingrid rejects Astrid’s religious assertions, reminding her of the importance of following her own path. Ingrid did not see her daughter for several years and she is terrified because of Astrid’s appearance and her inner world.