Flowers in the Attic - V.C.Andrews (Dollanganger #1)

*5 stars*

I really just stumbled on this book by accident and wow! It must the one of the most fascinating stories I've read this past year. It has been already two weeks since I first finished it and yet all the characters are vivid and alive before my eyes. It made me think. To put the book down and really think.

I had so many favorite parts I remember clearly even after two weeks that  I don't even know where to start! I loved it! It was amazing!

Flowers in the Attic wasn't typical YA with laugh out moments, it was haunting. After a little research about the book, I discovered it had been pretty famous at time. I must have missed it, I had never even heard about the author. I found a lot of critique and nitpicking about the writing, but really? I was so consumed by the emotions I hardly noticed!

First I was mesmerised by the synopsis. The idea of a loving mother locking her darling children up to the attic and the struggles the kids had to go through to maintain mental and physical health as well as be parents to their little siblings and raising them. It was terrible and absolutely mesmerising.


I liked the fire in Cathy and Chris, despite everything they refused to be put down. On and on they invented new games, activities, stories, anything to keep the little ones as happy as possible. I especially remember a scene in the rocking chair. Chris sat down with Cathy on his lap and the twin on theirs. That was the turning point, their own little family. Somehow it was so heartwarming, I had to blink couple of times to keep the emotions at bay.

The awful grandmother was really an interesting character. So cold, emotionless, at first impression almost evil. Again through the unrolling events and relived memories, her character started to show depth and sides not visible to others. Like the moment, Chris caught her praying. Quiet and comforting action, yet so intimate in the context.

The ending was breathtaking. It had my nerves on edge and I can honestly say I was so proud of them I felt like I had known them myself! Cathys determination to ruin their mother was driven by all the hate, disappointment and anger, purely justified if you asked me. I loved the little fragile girl reaching adulthood years too early. And when Cathy went up to the attic for the final time and wrote the message on the blackboard, it reflected all the pains she had suffered through her mothers hand. The moment, as well as countless others, was beautiful!

The series I quite long. I'm determined to read them all, but as with delicious food, you just can't eat it all at once. I won't rush with the books. I already have the next one in my hands, so it's only a matter of time. I guess it's not for everyone, but I loved it, and dare to recommend it!