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bashsbooks's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Honestly, My Sweet Audrina will always be the darling of my VC Andrews heart. But I still greatly enjoyed Flowers in the Attic, and I completely understand why people love it. Andrews is a master at the gothic novel, and even when she is predictable, it's just so compelling that you have to keep reading. Cathy is a fascinating narrator, and I could write a dissertation on the impact of her first-person perspective alone - and then a whole second one about Christopher's character development.
I am interested to see how much Andrews' writing will hold up outside of a confined space in Petals on the Wind.
Also, what the fuck is up with how Simon & Schuster reprints are marketed? The covers suck and the tagline for this book -"The Classic Story of Forbidden Love" - seems wildly off-target. Yes, there is sibling incest, but I wouldn't say that's the primary thing that this about.
I am interested to see how much Andrews' writing will hold up outside of a confined space in Petals on the Wind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Excrement, Medical content, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cursing, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Alcohol