Books, Boots and Bakeries

Melina Marchetta’s Looking for Alibrandi has cemented itself as an iconic piece of Australian literature, resonating deeply with readers for decades. It’s a book that so many of us studied in high school, dissecting its themes of identity, family, and belonging. For me, it’s more than a classic – it’s a personal treasure that has shaped how I think about literature and connection.

This connection deepened when my niece, now in her final year of high school, chose Looking for Alibrandi for her English studies. The pride I felt was immense. I handed over my own well-loved copy, a gift from my aunt when I was 17, and set her loose in Josie’s world. Watching her fall in love with the book was an absolute joy. She’d call me at all hours to discuss themes, untangle character motivations, and sometimes – in moments of Year 12 panic – beg for quotes and page numbers. It was an incredible privilege to become her researcher and sounding board, reliving my love for the story through her fresh perspective.

It amazes me that Looking for Alibrandi is still so relatable all these years later. Josie’s struggle to reconcile her Italian heritage with her Australian identity is timeless, as is her exploration of class, love, and the tangled relationships with her family. Marchetta’s ability to make her characters feel alive and painfully real hasn’t dulled over the years. The book remains a must-read, and it’s such a delight to share something I adore with someone I love so much.

This isn’t the first time I’ve revisited the story. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Looking for Alibrandi performed on stage with one of my closest friends. It was bloody fantastic! The set design was spot-on, right down to a monster carpet that instantly transported me back to my grandparents’ home. Watching it brought the story to life in a way that felt entirely new, even though I know the book by heart.

And of course, there’s the movie – another slice of nostalgia for so many Australians my age. I was the perfect age when it was released and still remember the excitement of seeing Josie, Christina, Jacob and Nonna, and the rest of the cast on screen. When I told a coworker about my niece reading the book (I might have interrupted a meeting for her call) he casually mentioned that he was an extra in the movie! Naturally, I spent the next night pausing every crowd scene, trying to spot him.

There’s a reason my pen name is Quintana. Melina Marchetta isn’t just a brilliant author – she’s an icon. Her work has a way of burrowing into your heart and staying there, whether it’s through Looking for Alibrandi or her other masterpieces like Saving Francesca or The Lumatere Chronicles. If you haven’t read Looking for Alibrandi, you’re missing out on a cornerstone of Australian literature. And if you’ve already read it, the movie and stage adaptations are well worth exploring too.

Some stories fade with time. Looking for Alibrandi is not one of them. It’s as vibrant, relevant, and moving today as it was when I first held it in my hands – and when my niece did the same all these years later.