October: Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

[Keith]

Only paper ones.

[Maggie]

I remember reading this book when I was about 15 and being completely mesmerised by it. Not sure I would feel exactly the same ove 30 years later, but still a good read!

[Keith]

I read it and have to say - not sure if it hasn't age well or if VC Andrews was a bad writer. The saga was interesting but when it was first released it did say it was based on a true story, though no one knows if this is a fact or not.

There were like four books in the series and read them all. I remember hating Cathy by the end of the saga.

I enjoyed it alot when I was 15 - not soo much now.

[Jade]

I still love this book and I love the entire saga. Yes, Cathy is flawed. But she's aware of her flaws. She's ambitious, and she does have some admirable qualities.

As to the true story bit, I read somewhere that as a young woman the author met a doctor who had been locked away along with his brothers and sisters. The incarceration had something to do with family money. It's unknown whether or not this is factual information, however.

[Keith]

Are we allowed to discuss this in more details - spoilers as I don't want to ruin the story for anyone. Just need to know how open we can be with our discussion.

[Suzy]

Jade wrote: "I still love this book and I love the entire saga. Yes, Cathy is flawed. But she's aware of her flaws. She's ambitious, and she does have some admirable qualities.

As to the true story bit, I rea..."

I too loved the series when I was younger...couldn't get enough of it. That mother was a piece of work. I can't imagine someone really treating their children that way.

[Audra]

I think the protagonist's voice is well-established, gives a good sense of her character right away. It's hard to put down even though it's disturbing.

[Lisa]

I read this book when it first came out ages ago and due the fact I was very young and impressionable it gave me nightmares for a very long time---Too close to truthful events that have happened over our history

[Shannon]

I read this book when I was 15 or 16,a friend suggested it to me. I devoured the whole series after that. I loved the book when I was younger but would like to reread it to see if I come away with a different view on it now. Any way made a impression on me back then.

[Hud-c]

Hi everyone,

I read all commentaries and I see that most of the members have read this already. Well, as for me, this is the first time. Actually i was the one who nominated this book to be in the October group reads. And i was very much pleased to hear the results.

As of now, I'm 1/3 finish with my reading. My thoughts, I could say that even w/o knowing how controversial this book was, I would definitely have a clear idea of what it would be about - the secrets etc. Though, I wouldn't say that, if I read this when I was younger.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

This book was twisted, but really interesting to read. I went through this whole series a few years ago.

[Keith]

Apparently it is based on a true story