The novel ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ by ‘Melina Marchetta’ is a story of self-discovery. Josephine Alibrandi, the protagonist, overcomes numerous hurdles that allow her to appreciate others and see how fortunate she is. The novel encapsulates the journey she takes to find who she truly is and where she belongs. Josie resents her Michael Andretti for abandoning her and her mother, but as the novel progresses she accepts him as her father. Initially, Josie feels nothing but bitterness towards Michael and would like nothing to do with him, because she feels that by leaving her mother he was negligent ‘A promise. You keep out of my life, I keep out of yours.’ (p.69). As the novel continues Josie’s connection with her father becomes stronger, with Josie willingly travelling to Adelaide with Michael. The defining moment in their relationship was when Michael moved to Sydney and asked Josie to adopt his last name becoming Josephine Andretti ‘…I want to adopt you. I want you to have my name.’ (p.244). The acceptance and understanding of Michael allows Josie to come to terms with her illegitimate birth, and appreciate people regardless of their past. …show more content…
Throughout the novel Jacob opened Josie eyes up to new things. Being with Jacob helped Josie mature and become a stronger woman ‘…Women don’t have to be pushed into things anymore.’ (p. 213). Josie learnt to take risks, like riding on Jacob’s motorbike. The experiences Josie and Jacob shared helped Josie to become a stronger more independent woman, and allowed her to experience life as someone who wasn’t restricted by