By the end of the novel, Josephine comes to appreciate herself as a young woman of Italian and Australian heritage and finally realises that self identity comes not from a name of Alibrandi or Andretti, or from a social status, but from the willingness to confront the challenges of her own life. Eventually, Josephine realises that her cultural heritage offers her a great deal in life and that whoever you are; you can't escape who you are and where you come from. .
"If someone comes up and asks me what nationality I am, I"ll look at them and say that I"m and Australian with Italian blood flowing rapidly through my veins. I"ll say that with pride, because its pride that I feel" Pg 259.
Kate Woods uses a number of scenes and film techniques to show us Josie's changing attitude toward being a second generation Australian in a closely-knit Italian community. .
The film Looking for Alibrandi starts on tomato day and over the course of a show shows Josephine Alibrandi's personal change. Quite ironically, the film ends with Tomato day exactly one year later, which shows Josie's changed attitude in relation to the people around her.
In the opening Tomato Day scene Kate Woods sets a positive atmosphere with the use of Italian music and people everywhere, interacting with one another generally having a good time. Josie's voiceover seconds later immediately informs the viewer about her attitude toward the proceedings around her. Josie appears on screen and her attitude is made all the more clear from the body language and facial expressions. She slumps in her chair, rolls her eyes and does everything possible to show that she doesn't want to be a part of the despised ritual that she is forced to take part in. Josie's actions show the little understanding she has about not only her Italian relatives and culture, but also the significance of Tomato Day.
"This may be where I come from but do I really belong here?".
