The novel, Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, tells the reader that the olden days were harder to live in than modern times, yet modern times still have difficulties. This is shown by the apparent frivolousness of Josie's illegitimacy when compared to Nonna's secret affair and Nonna's intense social pressures, physical and psychological isolations and her loveless relationships due to cultural traditions.

Firstly, we see intense social pressures and expectations in both Nonna's and Josie's life. This is demonstrated by Nonna's Italian duties such as of a happy marriage and remaining loyal to her husband. Both of which she fails to comply with, yet still decides to keep up the pretence of such duties in order to convince the Italian community to accept Christina and eventually, Josie. Josie's social pressures include expectations such as passing her HSC and her desire to conform into peer pressure including things like...