Flowers in the Attic
5 starsIntense and haunting.
Sex in popular books is now the norm but not so in 1979. Add in the taboo of sex (& romantic love)between brother and sister. And several types of abuse and you had a book that was obsessed over by most as much as it was reviled by others.
I first read this in 1979, I was 12 years old (same as Cathy the MC). All my friends thought my mom was so cool (and she was) because she let me read it. This was the book we girls whispered about whenever we could. Several of my friends moms actually called my mom to see if they should let their 12 year old daughters read it. Most of them did.
I have re-read this book many times over the years but none have had the impact as that first time did. It effected my 12 year old self and it quickly became my favorite book, and was until a year later when I 1st read Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". Though it is still one of my favs.
"Flowers" is a book that leaves you thinking about it long after you've finished reading it. Even today with the popularity of erotica , violent thrillers and horror stories. it is still a book that leaves a reader feeling intense emotions. I have read it at least 10 times and each time it effects me, differently but just as deeply. Now as a mother and grandmother I feel angry and protective.
But I digress...
If you have not read this book I would suggest you go out immediately and get it. Make a cup of tea (or coffee), grap a blanket and a box of tissue because regardless of your age or sex unless you are a robot/android this book will leave you breathless and shaken.
