Looking for Alibrandi was first published in Australia on October 5, 1992, to much acclaim. The novel was later published in 14 countries, with 11 translated editions, and won several prestigious awards in 1993, including the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award: Older Readers.
Known as “the most stolen library book,” the novel has sold more than half a million copies worldwide. The film adaptation, also written by Melina Marchetta, was released in Australia on May 4, 2000, further solidifying the story’s cultural impact.
Novel Summary
Looking for Alibrandi is a girl’s story of her final year at school; a year she sets herself free.
Josephine Alibrandi is seventeen and studying at a wealthy girls’ school. This year she meets her father, falls in love and searches for herself. She finds the real truth about her family and the identity she has been searching for.
The novel is acutely honest and offers insight into the life of a young person on the cusp of adulthood.
Detailed Book Summary
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta follows Josephine “Josie” Alibrandi, a seventeen-year-old in her final year at a prestigious Catholic girls’ school in Sydney. Josie struggles with the stigma of being “illegitimate” in her tight-knit Italian-Australian community. Over the course of the year, she meets her estranged father, Michael Andretti, falls in love with Jacob Coote, and grapples with the “Alibrandi curse”—the burden of family expectations and secrets.
As Josie delves deeper into her family history, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She learns to balance her Italian heritage with her desire for independence, ultimately finding her own path to freedom.
The novel’s exploration of cultural identity, family dynamics, and personal growth makes Looking for Alibrandi a compelling and relatable read for those on the brink of adulthood.
Story Outline
- Introduction to the Novel
- Title: Looking for Alibrandi
- Author: Melina Marchetta
- Setting: Sydney, Australia
- Main Themes: Cultural Identity, Family Expectations, Personal Freedom
- Main Characters
- Josephine (Josie) Alibrandi: The protagonist, a 17-year-old student dealing with cultural and personal identity issues.
- Michael Andretti: Josie’s estranged father, who re-enters her life unexpectedly.
- Christina Alibrandi: Josie’s mother, who raised her as a single parent.
- Katia Alibrandi: Josie’s grandmother, whose secrets weigh heavily on the family.
- Plot Overview
- Key Events:
- Josie’s struggle with her “illegitimate” status and its impact on her life.
- The unexpected arrival of her father, Michael, and their evolving relationship.
- Josie’s romantic involvement with Jacob Coote and the challenges it brings.
- The revelation of family secrets, including the truth about her grandfather.
- Josie’s journey toward understanding her cultural heritage and achieving personal freedom.
- Key Events:
- Themes
- Cultural Identity: Josie’s struggle to reconcile her Italian background with her Australian upbringing.
- Family Expectations: The pressures of the “Alibrandi curse” and how it shapes Josie’s life.
- Personal Freedom: Josie’s path to independence and self-acceptance.
- Conclusion
- Summary of Josie’s growth and her ultimate realization of what it means to be an Alibrandi.
- The novel’s relevance to readers facing similar challenges of identity and self-discovery.
When Was Looking for Alibrandi Published?
Looking for Alibrandi was first published in Australia on October 5, 1992, by Penguin Books. The novel quickly resonated with readers, leading to its first reprint just two months later due to high demand. It was later published in various countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s, helping it gain international recognition.
In 2000, a significant re-release of the novel coincided with the release of the film adaptation, which premiered on May 4, 2000. This edition featured a new cover tied to the film’s promotion, further boosting the book’s visibility. Over the years, Looking for Alibrandi has been reprinted multiple times, including special anniversary editions, solidifying its status as a classic in young adult literature.
Related: Looking for Alibrandi | Book Reviews