Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

34 reviews

stars_and_stags's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I really enjoyed this book. I understand why it is controversial, but the main characters were making the best of a horrific situation. 

Generational trauma is a curse that plagues so many families. 

Overall, well written and very accurate to how teenagers would speak. I am glad I read it though parts were hard to get through. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

turpial23's review against another edition

dark sad tense slow-paced

1.0

Basically a narrative of many types of child abuse, in graphic detail. No actual plot, no character growth, not even exceptional writing - just misery and terror. Not apt for children. I would never recommend this series to anyone.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

chlamlydia's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Honestamente ni sé por dónde empezar. Tan solo "que estoy leyendo?". Desde el incesto hasta el plot twist final me han tenido cuestionandome por qué estaba leyendo ese libro. Aún así tengo la colección entera así que tocará leerse el segundo y seguir preguntándose por qué me hago eso

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Rape, Death of parent, and Abandonment

books_hay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I first read this book some where around 8th grade and just now 30ish years later. 
I'm 8th grade it seamed a bit of a love story. This time is was a tale of horrible abuse and imprisonment.

This book takes on shocking turns. It's a good read, but it's horrifying at times. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death

agameofbooksblog's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Flowers in the Attic” by V.C. Andrews is a mesmerizing literary gem that effortlessly earns its five-star rating. The story delves into the lives of the Dollanganger family, tragically hidden away in their grandmother’s mansion, and exposes the depths of family bonds, greed, and forbidden love. Andrews’ writing skillfully weaves a haunting narrative, unraveling dark secrets and hidden desires, making it utterly impossible to put down.

What sets this book apart is its profound allegorical depth, brilliantly captured by the author. The characters’ struggles are portrayed with raw intensity, showcasing the complexities of their relationships and the harsh realities they face. Even going into this story knowing the twists, the impact of the story remains shockingly palpable, a testament to Andrews’ mastery in creating a suspenseful and emotionally charged experience.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Religious bigotry

Moderate: Child death, Rape, and Death of parent

hue's review against another edition

dark

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

Well, that was truly something huh. Not sure how I'll melt that but I'm glad I picked it up. One twisted telling of a seemingly perfect family that implodes the moment the Father falls into the hands of death. A lot of topics that aren't easy to melt are delt with in this book, what about child abuse and gaslighting, incest born children doing incesty things, kids being deprived from the contact of other human beings aside from their siblings and their grandmother, as well as an occasional visit from their fairly narcissistic mother. Definitely as horrid as been told.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I decided to read this cult classic because my mom told me several years ago that it was the first book she remembers really enjoying. I was skeptical, because like many, all I had ever heard about this book was that there was an incestuous relationship depicted in it. However, what I actually read wasn't simply a story about a brother and sister hooking up. That is a thing within the pages, but it is truly a small, small aspect. It is a book that explores child abuse, trauma bonds, and asks the question: just how cruel will a person be in the name of fortune? how far will they go? what makes the world go 'round, love or money? I honestly think that this book is a haunting example of just how cruel humanity can be and there are so many discussions to be had.

Having said that, the writing itself isn't that great. The story itself had me hooked from page one though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

maggiemaryamos's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

gracedunne's review against another edition

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Incest, Murder, and Abandonment

Minor: Car accident

bitchesgottaread's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting

Minor: Animal death