Looking for Alibrarndi

Machetta, M. (1992). Looking for Alibrandi. Victoria, Australia; Penguin Books.

This is a story of Josephine Alibrandi, a seventeen year old, in her final year at high school. During the year, she is in a constant turmoil; she meets her father who has never known her existence, falls in love, discovers Nonna's secret and loses one of her best freind. In the end, Josie has got a more mature perspective toward her life and the world and become more assured about who she really is.

What makes this story memorable is the main character---vivacious and full of life Josephine. She is smart, passionate and never at a loss with words. However, she is in a constant state of anger with her life. She feels herself a misfit or a rebel at her prestigious private Catholic school, as she is not only on scholarship but also an illegitimate child. Even at home, she struggles with her strict mum and ever-meddling Nonna. Her Catholic upbringing and Italian family value do not go with the life of typical Australian teenagers.

A delightful story that still touches several serious issues that teenagers can face and have to overcome. Warning: There's an issue of teen depression and suicide. However, the positive closing of the story will surely chase away any gloom.