How does childhood trauma change the lives of people and the entire literary community? It was an accident that aroused a writer's gift in a young girl, who presented the world with an excellent trilogy about the Dollanger family.
Short biography of the author
Andrews Virginia was born back in 1923 in the city of Portsmouth. Children's trauma made the future writer a hostage to a wheelchair. This accident contributed to the fact that the girl became isolated in herself, having gone to write novels, which she did not like to spread about. In addition, Andrews was a good advertising artist, illustrator and portrait painter.
In 1979, her first successful novel, Flowers in the Attic, was released, for which she received a substantial fee of $ 7,500. Her book became a bestseller two weeks after publication. However, between 1972 and 1979, she wrote more than 20 works, of which only one was published. After the death of the writer in 1986 from breast cancer, all of her novels were printed, stories in the amount of 54 million copies and translated into Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian and many other languages.
The story of the family saga of the Dolanganger family
The family saga of the Dolangenziers consists of five books and is tied to a true story that strikes with its cruelty. Dolgangers have no interest and feelings for anything but money. The harsh and difficult plot of the first book from the series “Flowers in the Attic” touched the soul of many readers, which brought the author great popularity. The Garden of Shadows was the third book of this great saga.
Description of the book "Garden of Shadows"
The novel is the third book in the family saga of the Dolphins. The work prepares readers to meet with the background of events that spun in the first novel, "Flowers in the Attic." The writer moves us to Foxworth Hall, where the tormenting drama of Olivia and her husband was played, which left a mark on the fate of their daughter Corrin.
Summary of the book "Garden of Shadows"
The story tells of the transformation of Olivia from a kind and naive into a cruel, power-hungry girl. She was not distinguished by beauty and attractiveness, only her high growth looked unusual. Having lost her mother, Olivia grew up with her father, who was busy with business, accumulating wealth. Such an atmosphere created a huge need for the girl in care, affection, tenderness and love.
Once, Malcolm Foxworth, a young promising businessman invited by Olivia's father, appeared in the house. The main purpose of the visit was mutual love and the wedding of two young people. The young businessman is showing Olivia's attention, making an offer soon to get married.
The girl, blinded by happiness, thoughtlessly agrees. After the wedding, she moved to his estate - Foxworth Hall. From this very moment, Malcolm’s attitude towards Olivia begins to amaze readers. He completely loses interest in her and feelings, forcing her to settle in a separate room. Despite this, they have a first-born, who was named in honor of his father.
However, the birth of a boy cannot change Malcolm's attitude to his wife. After a while, the couple has a second son, who is given the name Joel. The husband wants the birth of a daughter, but doctors do not allow Olivia to give birth, because this can lead to the death of the child and herself. This news angered Malcolm a lot. After that, he ceases to pay attention to children, breaks down on them.
Suddenly, Malcolm’s father, Garland, returns with a young wife, Alyssia, who is very impressed with her husband Olivia. He seeks to get her heart, but to no avail. One night, Olivia wakes up screaming from the bedrooms of Garland and Alyssia, in which she discovers fighting father and son. Age makes itself felt, and Garland dies of a heart attack. It is later revealed that Malcolm came to his father’s young wife to win her love.
Alyssia after her husband’s funeral cannot find a place, because she bears Malcolm’s child under her heart. Upon learning of this, Olivia becomes furious. A similar story promises a big scandal in the press, so the family goes to the trick. Alyssia is settled in another part of the house, and the public is informed of Olivia's pregnancy. The born daughter of the widow of Father Malcolm is called Corrin in honor of his mother, who abandoned him in childhood.
Alyssia leaves with Malcolm's second son, leaving him a daughter. A happy father indulges any whims and whims of his beloved daughter.
Unexpected denouement
Further, the plot is gaining unexpected and rapid pace. Olivia's first son dies, her second son disappears in Europe. Olivia and Malcolm receive a letter from Alicia dying of cancer with a request to shelter the 17-year-old Christopher. Corrin is tricked into saying her uncle is coming. The girl does not suspect the existence of a brother. Love flares up between young people, for which they are expelled from the family without the right to inherit.
After a while, Malcolm is struck by a stroke, after which he is forced to move in a wheelchair. Olivia becomes aware that Corrin and Christopher have four children, the grandchildren of Malcolm. This information is carefully hidden from him to inflict maximum mental wound. They move back to their parents' home, but Olivia hides their children. This concludes the book, Garden of Shadows. Further events of the work "Flowers in the Attic"
Reviews about the novel
Reviews of the book "Garden of Shadows" are mostly good. The book, like the entire saga written by the great Andrews of Virginia, managed to become a bestseller in a short time and occupy the souls of millions of readers. Many began acquaintance with the author precisely from this book. Reading the novel "Garden of Shadows", you do not immediately realize that this is not the first story of the entire saga. The work is perceived independently, different from other books. This does not prevent you from plunging headlong into a bitter life story filled with truth, intrigue, treachery and tears.
Readers, speaking about the plot, sincerely wish Olivia a different fate. However, the work completely and completely illuminates the problem of injustice, which is so annoying to the author and his main character. The trials of life that befell Olivia completely change her personality. From a feminine, kind and modest gray mouse, she turns into a cruel and bitchy lady. It is these circumstances that cause a feeling of deep regret and compassion for the main character.
Many began their acquaintance with the work of Andrews Virginia with the work "Garden of Shadows", which prompted further reading of the entire dramatic saga.