10-26-2007, 10:58 PM
"Flowers in the Attic" most definitely. It was her first novel, and, unlike many of the later books, was actually written by her before she died. (A ghostwriter has written the bulk of the so-called "V.C. Andrews" books).
"Flowers in the Attic" isn't particularly well written (the dialogue and prose can be as purple as they come), but it's a good story. It's sort of a modern dark fairytale, with Gothic overtones and real bite. The other books in the series are mediocre to fairly decent, but this first book is the best. (And, don't read "Garden of Shadows" first. Despite the fact that it's a prequel, it should be read last, as it was published last and spoils "Flowers" if you read "Garden" first).
Also, read "My Sweet Audrina," Andrews' stand-alone novel. It's extremely Gothic and a good (if far-fetched) mystery that indicates a far more (delightfully) warped mind than that of the humdrum ghostwriter.
"Flowers in the Attic" isn't particularly well written (the dialogue and prose can be as purple as they come), but it's a good story. It's sort of a modern dark fairytale, with Gothic overtones and real bite. The other books in the series are mediocre to fairly decent, but this first book is the best. (And, don't read "Garden of Shadows" first. Despite the fact that it's a prequel, it should be read last, as it was published last and spoils "Flowers" if you read "Garden" first).
Also, read "My Sweet Audrina," Andrews' stand-alone novel. It's extremely Gothic and a good (if far-fetched) mystery that indicates a far more (delightfully) warped mind than that of the humdrum ghostwriter.