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Flowers in the Attic summary
Brief summary
Flowers in the Attic is a gothic novel by V.C. Andrews. It tells the haunting story of four siblings locked away in an attic, forced to confront a web of dark family secrets and undergo unimaginable trauma.
Table of Contents
Flowers in the Attic
Summary of key ideas
The Turmoil of Unexpected Loss
In Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, we join the four Dollanganger children - Chris, Cathy, and the twins, Cory and Carrie - as they begin a new, treacherous chapter of their lives. Their idyllic existence is shattered when their father dies in a tragic accident, leaving their mother, Corrine, with no income and a responsibility she's ill-prepared to handle.
Desperation leads Corrine to seek help from her estranged wealthy parents. She takes the children to the grand, ominous Foxworth Hall, introducing them to their vindictive grandmother who conceals them in the attic. Corrine assures them it's a temporary measure, only until she reclaims her father's inheritance.
A Prison Beneath the Foxworth Rooftop
However, days turn into months and months into years. The attic becomes an elaborate prison, desks are turned into classrooms, and a small bathroom becomes a laundry room. The children, now teenagers, are forced to play the roles of parents to the younger twins, inventing games and routines to bring a semblance of normalcy to their bizarre circumstances.
In their confinement, Chris and Cathy mature prematurely, grappling with the realities of burgeoning adolescence and the desperation of their situation. They become the caregivers, educators, and protectors, dealing with their grandmother's relentless cruelty and their mother's growing indifference.
Struggle and Discovery
As they explore the higher reaches of the mansion, they discover a small, hidden swan room filled with expensive ornaments, mirrors, and a safe containing jewels. As she becomes increasingly needy for her father's affection, Corrine attempts to regain her parents' favor by dismissing her past marriage and children. She becomes engaged to her stepfather, and the children's hopes for freedom dwindle.
Amid this, tragedy strikes when the twins, specifically Cory, become gravely ill. His death is a brutal reminder of the extremity of their plight. Their mother's absence, their grandmother's harshness, and the cruelty of their living conditions become palpable durations of their suffering.
A Desperate Escape
Following Cory's death, Chris and Cathy realize that their mother has been slowly poisoning them to secure her inheritance. Corrine's transition from a loving mother to a calculated murderess intensifies the claustrophobia and darkness of the narrative. Faced with this harsh reality, they resolve to escape and protect Carrie, the last remaining twin.
Finally, they manage to break free, taking with them the evidence of their mother's gruesome deeds. Cathy and Chris escape, but not before Cathy swears to take revenge on their mother. Thus, Flowers in the Attic ends with the promise of a new beginning for Chris and Cathy, along with the ominous anticipation of retribution for the atrocities committed against them.
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What is Flowers in the Attic about?
"Flowers in the Attic" is a gripping novel that tells the story of four siblings who are hidden away in their wealthy grandparents' attic after the sudden death of their father. As they endure years of confinement and abuse, they form a bond that helps them survive their harrowing circumstances. This haunting tale explores themes of family secrets, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Flowers in the Attic Review
Flowers in the Attic (1979) is a captivating story that lures readers into the hidden secrets of a dysfunctional family. Why should you read it? Here's why:
- It explores taboo themes like family secrets, betrayal, and forbidden love, which add a mysterious and intriguing layer to the plot.
- The book delves into the psychological impact of confinement and abuse, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling read.
- With its dark and suspenseful atmosphere, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring that boredom is banished from the moment you start reading.
Who should read Flowers in the Attic?
- Those who enjoy suspenseful and dark stories
- Readers interested in exploring themes of family dynamics and secrets
- People who appreciate atmospheric and descriptive writing styles
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Flowers in the Attic FAQs
What is the main message of Flowers in the Attic?
The main message of Flowers in the Attic is a haunting tale of betrayal, survival, and the strength of familial bonds.
How long does it take to read Flowers in the Attic?
The reading time for Flowers in the Attic varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Flowers in the Attic a good book? Is it worth reading?
Flowers in the Attic is a gripping and controversial novel that explores the dark side of family secrets. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Who is the author of Flowers in the Attic?
The author of Flowers in the Attic is V.C Andrews.
What to read after Flowers in the Attic?
If you're wondering what to read next after Flowers in the Attic, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda