V.C. Andrews, Broken Flower

Broken Flower

V.C. Andrews

Pocket, October 2006, $7.99

ISBN: 0743493885

Seven year old Jordan March and her thirteen year old brother Ian are being raised by a loving nurturing mother, Carol, and Christopher, a useless cheating father whose only love is alcohol. Carol is always there for her offspring, while Christopher has nothing to do with either of them. When Carol notices Jordan has tiny breasts and pubic hairs, she panics and tells her daughter not to say a word to anyone and to never let Grandma Emma see her naked. Carol also checks her daughter's dirty laundry only to find evidence that the little girl menstruated. Brilliant science minded Ian is fascinated by it, and decides he must study what is happening to his sister.

Due to his drinking and driving, Carol and Christopher are severely injured in a car accident that leaves both incapable of caring for themselves, let alone two children. Grandma Emma who detests her son takes over caring for her two grandchildren, though much of the daily chores are left to the hired help, strict disciplinarian Miss Harper. Emma does not hide the fact that she cherishes Jordan, but seems at best to be indifferent to Ian, perhaps loathing him, whereas Miss Harper thinks the seemingly sweet girl hides an evil soul. This is the summer that will make or break young Jordan, especially after she and Ian meet Flora, who reveals secrets involving the March brood.

As always with any of the "Flower" novels, the villain is never quite who you think he or she is. The storyline focuses on Jordan, whom readers will empathize with, while also feeling horrified that a second grader is beginning to turn into a woman. Fans hope she comes out of this okay, as it seems those who should love and nurture her want to use her. Even though the author died, fans of the series will appreciate a fine entry that easily could have been written by V.C. Andrews' ghost.