Looking For Alibrandi

Role of The Family

Josie is searching to discover the true nature of her family history. She comes to learn that much of what she has been told in incorrect. A number of issues that both she and her mother deal with are explained by some of her family circumstances.

Her grandmother, father and mother all have a significant amount to teach her about herself and about herself. Each in their own way has the power to impart some personal experience that will assist Josie in her journey. She does come to learn, however, that these realisations can do much harm. Overall, however, her journey in regard to her family is a cathartic experience that solves many issues she was forced to deal with.

Josie's father, Michael Andretti, has only recently come back into life. He is introduced to us in Chapter six. While Josie's mother was still pregnant he left Sydney for Adelaide. He return comes with the assertion that he does not "want a complication in his life" and again he seems to be deserting Josie. She confronts him about this, and his attitude does not win her affection. It seems that Michael cannot provide to Josie what she needs - a stable father figure that might help her to make sense of her own identity and unique set of circumstances.

However, later in Chapter 8, Michael comes to her aid and she feels proud to have him walk alongside her. Josie has long craved this feeling and her father finally provides it to her. Their relationship continues to grow stronger throughout the novel, and he tells her that "If I had to choose a daughter, I would have chosen you". This remark, combined with his attitude seems to reaffirm his position

is her life. He proposes that she comes live with him in Balmain and that she becomes his adopted daughter. She is prepared to consider a name change, yet her journey of discovery dictates that she cannot leave