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...