Looking_for_Alibrandi

In the novel “Looking for Alibrandi”, Melina Marchetta explores the transformation and development during the age of adolescence. Her protagonist, Josephine Alibrandi, experiences these changes. The idea of changing perspectives is clearly presented in the novel while the protagonist develops strong relationships and appreciates the influences in her life. It is evident that the teenage years are all about “change” because in the end, the protagonist shifts from a fragile position to a stronger position. Changing perspectives, by far, is the most important theme in the novel. Throughout the novel, Josephine slowly changes the way she sees/perceives others, the society she is living in and most importantly, her identity. At the beginning, Josephine is very harsh on heritage and does not value it. “I think I had it worst. My mother was born here so as far as the Italians were concerned we weren’t completely one of them. Yet because my grandparents were born in Italy we weren’t completely Australian.”-pg 7. As the novel progresses, Josie’s experience drives the process of change. For example, John Barton’s untimely death and a heart to heart conversation with Jacob Coote make her realize and accept her heritage, knowing that she cannot throw away whom she is. “You can’t hate what you’re part of.”-pg.152. At first, Josephine desperately wants to be part of Australian society but her peers do not accept for who she is. She initially blames her heritage and her illegitimacy for causing this problem. “It is embarrassing contradiction when your mother gets pregnant out of wedlock because her catholic upbringing prohibits contraception.” –pg. 8. Towards the end, she recognizes the importance of standing out instead of fitting in. “If I lived by the rules and never committed a sin, people would still talk.”-pg.261. She also gradually changes her perspectives about others. At the beginning, Josie does not appreciate her Nonna’s attitude and disapproves of Michael as her father. “You have no respect for other people’s privacy.” –pg. 37. However, at the end, she has a strong relationship with both of them, which progressively leads her to a better position in life. Transformation is also represented by the development of strong relationships and accepting people for who they are. Josephine’s strong bond with her family and friends leads her to a new definition in life. Her developing relationship with Michael teaches her the importance of having a father and Michael, himself, helps Josephine to realize the sacrifices Christina went through to bring her up. “How do you put up with me when I treat you so bad'”-pg. 109. As the novel progresses, Josephine began to understand her Nonna’s personal sorrows; a person who she once thinks is strict, selfish and annoying. “And so that one day, my granddaughter can try to understand me, like I’m trying to understand Nonna.” –pg. By the end of the novel, she learns to reconcile her family influences and truly becomes an independent young woman. This clearly shows that the gradual change is evident in Josephine’s teenage years. Learning, realizing and maturing are parts of the process of change, which occurs in the novel. Throughout the novel, Josie’s experience enables her to learn the importance of self-awareness in life. She also realizes that her life is optimistic and she should not trade it with anyone. As the novel ends, Josie finally matures and appreciates what she has. Therefore, it is obvious that “change” manifests in the protagonist’s experience throughout the novel. It is clear that John’s death, the development of strong relationships, Josephine’s growing empathy for others and self-awareness; all contribute to the process of maturing. Thus, the novel “Looking for Alibrandi” shows us that the teenage years are all about change.