- Published on
If There Be Thorns
- Authors
- Name
- V.C. Andrews
- @search?q=V.C. Andrews
If There Be Thorns / Seeds Of Yesterday (Dollanganger Series) Summary
If There Be Thorns
Overview
"If There Be Thorns" is the third installment in the Dollanganger series by V.C. Andrews. It shifts focus from the earlier protagonists to the children of Cathy and Chris, exploring the impact of the family's dark legacy on the next generation. Set in California, the story is narrated by Cathy's sons, Jory and Bart, who are unaware of their family's haunting past.
Characters
- Jory Marquet: The elder son, a talented dancer.
- Bart Sheffield: The younger son, who struggles with feelings of inferiority and is easily influenced by the arrival of a mysterious woman next door.
- Cathy Dollanganger: The mother, trying to provide a normal life for her sons while hiding their family's dark secrets.
- Chris Sheffield: The legal father figure to Cathy's children, harboring the truth about their lineage.
Plot Highlights
- The arrival of a new neighbor, who turns out to be the children's grandmother, Corrine, brings the family's dark past to the forefront.
- Bart's manipulation by Corrine and her butler, leading to drastic changes in his behavior.
- The family's struggle to protect their secrets while dealing with internal and external challenges.
Seeds Of Yesterday
Overview
"Seeds of Yesterday," the fourth book in the Dollanganger series, follows the family as the children reach adulthood and confront their family's cursed legacy. The story is centered around the Foxworth Hall, where family tensions and secrets reach a climax.
Characters
- Cathy Dollanganger: Now facing the consequences of her past decisions as she navigates the complexities of her adult children's lives.
- Chris Sheffield: Continues to support Cathy, even as the shadows of their shared past loom over the family.
- Jory Marquet: Deals with a tragic accident that changes his life forever.
- Bart Sheffield: Now an adult, Bart's character is deeply influenced by his earlier experiences and the family legacy.
Plot Highlights
- The return to Foxworth Hall, which has been rebuilt, symbolizing the inescapable nature of the family's past.
- Bart's complex relationship with his family and his struggle for power and identity within the Foxworth legacy.
- Tragic events that test the bonds of the family, leading to revelations and resolutions.
Themes
Both books delve into themes of family legacy, the impact of secrets, and the struggle for identity within a complex family dynamic. They explore the consequences of the past on the present and future generations, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll of the Dollanganger family's dark history.