Flowers in the Attic & Petals on the Wind. V.C. Andrews

**Flowers in the Attic** and **Petals on the Wind** are two novels by V.C. Andrews, part of the Dollanganger series, which explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and the consequences of dark secrets.

### Overview

— **Author**: V.C. Andrews
— **Genres**: Gothic Fiction, Family Saga
— **Publication Dates**:
— *Flowers in the Attic* (1979)
— *Petals on the Wind* (1980)

### Flowers in the Attic

**Plot Summary**:
The story follows the Dollanganger family, focusing on the four children: Cathy, Chris, and their younger siblings, Carrie and Cory. After the sudden death of their father, their mother, Corrine, takes them to her ancestral home, Foxworth Hall, where they are hidden away in a small attic. The children endure neglect and abuse, leading to a complex blend of love, trauma, and desperation.

**Themes**:
1. **Family Secrets**: The novel explores the impact of hidden truths and the lengths to which family members will go to protect or conceal them.
2. **Survival and Resilience**: The children’s struggle for survival and their efforts to maintain hope in dire circumstances.
3. **Forbidden Love**: The complex and often taboo relationships that develop among the siblings.

### Petals on the Wind

**Plot Summary**:
The sequel picks up after the events of *Flowers in the Attic*, following Cathy as she attempts to escape her traumatic past and build a new life. As she navigates love, ambition, and revenge, the story delves deeper into the repercussions of their upbringing and the scars it leaves behind.

**Themes**:
1. **Revenge and Justice**: Cathy’s desire for retribution against those who wronged her and her siblings.
2. **Identity and Transformation**: Cathy’s journey to redefine herself outside of her traumatic childhood.
3. **Love and Betrayal**: The complexities of romantic relationships and the impact of past trauma on present choices.

### Style

V.C. Andrews is known for her dramatic prose and gothic elements, which create a dark and atmospheric narrative. Her writing often combines emotional depth with intricate family dynamics.

### Reception

Both novels received significant attention and have become cult classics, noted for their controversial themes and emotional intensity. They have sparked discussions about familial relationships and the impact of trauma.

### Conclusion

In summary, *Flowers in the Attic* and *Petals on the Wind* are powerful explorations of family, love, and the dark side of human nature. V.C. Andrews crafts a haunting tale that resonates with readers, making these books enduring works in the gothic fiction genre.