TL;DR
'Flowers In The Attic' is a haunting tale of four siblings confined in an attic by their cruel grandmother and neglectful mother, highlighting themes of family, greed, and forbidden love.
What is Flowers In The Attic about
'Flowers in the Attic' by V.C. Andrews tells the story of four siblings—Cathy, Chris, and the twins Carrie and Cory—who are confined to their grandparents' attic after the sudden death of their father. Their mother, Corrine, hides them away to secure an inheritance, leaving them at the mercy of their tyrannical grandmother. As time passes, the children endure abuse, neglect, and isolation, forming a close bond to survive. This gothic novel explores themes of family betrayal, greed, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Flowers In The Attic 6 Key Takeaways
Family Tragedy
The Dollanganger family's happiness is shattered when the father, Christopher, dies in an accident, leaving the family destitute.
Confinement in the Attic
Corrine, the mother, takes the children to her parents' mansion, hiding them in the attic to claim an inheritance from her wealthy father who disapproved of her marriage.
Isolation and Abuse
The children face severe neglect and physical abuse from their grandmother, Olivia, while their mother's visits gradually decrease.
Sibling Bond
Chris and Cathy take on parental roles, trying to protect and care for the younger twins, forming an unbreakable bond.
Forbidden Love
As they grow older, Chris and Cathy develop romantic feelings for each other, adding a complex layer to their already strained existence.
Escape and Tragedy
After years of suffering, they plan an escape, but not before facing the ultimate tragedy with the death of one of the twins due to neglect.
Top Flowers In The Attic Quotes
- 'Love doesn't always come when you want it to. Sometimes it just happens, despite your will.'
- 'There is no hate such as that born out of love betrayed—and it's the deepest hate of all.'
Who should read Flowers In The Attic?
'Flowers in the Attic' is perfect for readers who enjoy gothic fiction, psychological thrillers, and family dramas. Fans of suspenseful and emotionally intense stories will find it particularly gripping.
Flowers In The Attic Best Reviews
- 'A compelling and disturbing story that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.' - New York Times
- 'A gothic horror story that is impossible to put down. Andrews captures the emotional and psychological trauma of her characters with chilling accuracy.' - Publishers Weekly
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Flowers In The Attic FAQs
What is the true story behind 'Flowers in the Attic'?
V.C. Andrews claimed that the plot was inspired by a true story told to her by a hospital doctor when she was a teenager.
What happens in the book 'Flowers in the Attic'?
The novel follows four siblings confined in their grandparents' attic, where they face years of abuse and neglect, forming a bond that helps them survive.
What is the meaning of 'Flowers in the Attic'?
The title symbolizes the children as beautiful flowers hidden away in the attic, their potential stifled by their confinement and the harsh conditions they endure.