Author: V. C. Andrews
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery | Romance
Released: January 21st 2014
Review Source: Pocket Books
My mother had looked into the face of evil so many times she knew what it was. It was me. I was born without a soul. . . .
Elle Edwards grew up believing that because of her mother’s sinful ways she was born without a soul; that’s why she was abandoned and left in the care of Grandmother Myra and Grandfather Prescott, who try to ensure her evil will not infect them—by raising her in a virtual prison. Because her days are occupied with homeschooling, strict religious studies, and vigorous housekeeping in their upstate New York home, Elle knows practically nothing of the outside world, even as she emerges as a young woman with impressive artistic talent. But when she makes a secret, forbidden connection to vacationers at the nearby lake—a handsome boy and his precocious twin sister—Elle’s world will shatter. Will discovering the truths about her past send her future plummeting to hell?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from V.C. Andrews, author or Flowers in The Attic. Elle is coming of age, and to Grandmother Myra that meant one thing- the devil and his evil ways were not far behind.
Elle was truly raised in a virtual prison. She has been home schooled by Grandmother Myra her entire life. Never making friends, never being allowed to go off of the porch of the small home she shares with the Grandparents. There is no technology available to her, no cell phones, no computers and she has never been able to wear makeup. Her days are spent in the constant shadow of her mother, Deborah, who Grandmother says has shamed their family.
On a special evening out Elle is taken out for dinner, for the first time. She is amazed by the surroundings, the food, people and most of all she finds herself drawn to a boy and girl her age sitting nearby. Elle spends the rest of the evening thinking about them, fantasizing about the boy.
One afternoon she is allowed to take a trip alone, into the woods behind the house, to do some drawing. While out she comes across the same brother and sister, diving and swimming in the lake, splashing around- naked. She has never seen anything like this in her life.
Elle continues to make trips as often as she can to the lake and forms a friendship with the pair. This is where her story unfolds. From the feeling of wet grass on her feet for the first time to the touch of a boy’s hand on her body we are taken on a journey of discovery. Elle’s realization that she is someone much different than Grandmother Myra has led her to believe, that the world is much different. Satan does not wait outside for her, waiting to overcome her and lead her into hell.
The story presents the reader with a few touch subjects to deal with such as rape and strong religious conviction, but they are handled as tastefully as possible, not offensive but in an eye opening manner.
The story is tied together well but leaves you longing for more in the end. This is definitely a book to read, it will turn you inside out with anticipation.
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