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Orphans #4
Rebecca
Son père l'a abandonnée à sa naissance; sa mère, qui a sombré dans l'alcool et la drogue, se retrouve en prison. A douze ans, Rebecca ne peut vivre seule et est recueillie par son oncle et sa tante.
L'oncle Reuben est un homme injuste et violent, qui la traite comme une domestique et n'hésite pas à la frapper. Certes, la tante Clara est une brave femme, mais trop terrorisée par son mari pour prendre la défense de Rebecca. Quant à Jennifer - sa cousine, d'un an son aînée -, c'est une vraie peste. Finalement, cette "vie de famille" est un enfer qui ne vaut guère mieux que l'orphelinat.
Le jour où son professeur de gymnastique découvre par hasard les marques qu'elle porte sur le corps, Rebecca ose enfin parler. Le tribunal pour enfants décide alors de la placer dans une maison d'accueil. Où elle fait la connaissance de Janet, de Crystal et de Brenda, dont la vie jusqu'à présent n'a pas été plus drôle que la sienne.
L'oncle Reuben est un homme injuste et violent, qui la traite comme une domestique et n'hésite pas à la frapper. Certes, la tante Clara est une brave femme, mais trop terrorisée par son mari pour prendre la défense de Rebecca. Quant à Jennifer - sa cousine, d'un an son aînée -, c'est une vraie peste. Finalement, cette "vie de famille" est un enfer qui ne vaut guère mieux que l'orphelinat.
Le jour où son professeur de gymnastique découvre par hasard les marques qu'elle porte sur le corps, Rebecca ose enfin parler. Le tribunal pour enfants décide alors de la placer dans une maison d'accueil. Où elle fait la connaissance de Janet, de Crystal et de Brenda, dont la vie jusqu'à présent n'a pas été plus drôle que la sienne.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
77 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,131 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 7, 2010
Raven was the orphan that I felt most disturbed by. Her past seemed to be just one horror story after another, and although we often hear about black-folks troubles, somehow Raven's seemed to lose a bit of that racial coloring as her story progressed.
I remember the details of her story the most clearly, probably because they were just the most horrific. Needless to say, it was moving and I enjoyed glimpsing life so different from mine.
I remember the details of her story the most clearly, probably because they were just the most horrific. Needless to say, it was moving and I enjoyed glimpsing life so different from mine.
April 27, 2017
Raven hasn't had an easy life. Her single mom is an alcoholic and sometimes drug user. Raven is home alone mostly and takes care of the rundown apartment they live in. She skips school because no one is there to tell her she has to go. When her mom is arrested, Raven is sent to live with her mom's brother, Reuben. An overbearing bully in his own home, his wife and children are terrified of him and his temper. Very set in his ways, he believes Raven is a bad apple, just like her mother. He treats her like dirt and blames her for all of his family's problems. Meanwhile Ravens cousin Jennifer is spreading rumors at school and being the typical ugly step-sister. Raven's outspoken opinions are not received by her uncle and he punishes her with extra chores and restrictions. At a party one night Jennifer gets drunk and blames Raven for her being sick, even though it was Raven who was the responsible one and got Jennifer home safely. Reuben cannot see his little girl doing any wrong and decides that they only way Raven will understand is if he handles her wild ways in the same way he handled her moms, physically. Raven now needs to survive in a different kind of hell than she did before.
December 14, 2025
Das Jugendamt übergibt Raven an die Familie ihres Onkels, weil ihre Mutter auf die schiefe Bahn geraten ist. Doch statt bei ihren Verwandten Sicherheit zu finden, landet sie mitten in einem Geflecht aus Kälte und Gewalt.
„Haus der Tränen“ ist der vierte Band der Orphan-Saga von V. C. Andrews. Diesmal steht das Schicksal von Raven im Mittelpunkt. Schon anhand der ersten Seiten wird deutlich, dass ihre Geschichte eine gewaltige Härte in sich trägt. Obwohl das Mädchen keine klassische Waise ist, muss sie früh lernen, sich allein durchs Leben zu schlagen. Dieser Weg ist von Schmerz, Enttäuschungen und der Sehnsucht nach Geborgenheit geprägt.
Raven wächst bei einer überforderten Mutter auf, die ihr weder Halt noch Sicherheit gibt. Als diese im Gefängnis und später in einer Einrichtung landet, kommt Raven in die Obhut ihres Onkels und hofft auf einen Neuanfang. Obwohl es äußerlich wie das perfekt-klassische Bild wirkt, tun sich in der Fassade Risse auf. William, der Sohn des Hauses, ist eingeschüchtert und voller Angst, während seine Schwester Jennifer durch Arroganz und Hinterhältigkeit auffällt. Besonders schlimm empfand ich das Verhalten der Cousine, da sie sich weder um ihren Bruder noch um ihre Mutter kümmert. Sie denkt nur an sich selbst. Dagegen wirkt die Tante wie eine Frau, die sich mit ihrem Schicksal abgefunden hat. Zumindest findet sie wenigstens etwas Wärme für Raven. Dennoch ist klar, dass sie dort in keine liebevolle Familie aufgenommen wird, sondern maximal geduldet ist.
Imponierend fand ich, wie tapfer Raven trotz all dieser Umstände bleibt. Sie erträgt Erniedrigungen und Gewalt, ohne daran zu zerbrechen. Und sie schafft es sogar, ihrem Cousin William etwas Aufmerksamkeit zu schenken.
Andrews hat Ravens Dasein als Waisenkind, obwohl sie im eigentlichen Sinne keines ist, sehr anschaulich beleuchtet. Sie zeigt, was es bedeutet, wenn man keinen Platz in einer Familie hat und jederzeit spüren muss, dass man nicht erwünscht ist, sondern nur ertragen wird. In der Umgebung des Onkels wird außerdem deutlich, dass ein augenscheinlich vollständiges Elternhaus keineswegs heil sein muss. Gewalt, Manipulation und fehlende Empathie prägen den Alltag. Für Raven bleibt oft nur der Rückzug, um durchzuhalten.
Die Stimmung des Romans ist entsprechend schwer zu ertragen und hat mich beim Lesen manchmal sprachlos gemacht. Szenen, in denen Gewalt offen ausgesprochen oder angedeutet wird, wirken so eindringlich, dass sie mir sogar im geschützten Dasein als Leserin Angst eingejagt haben.
„Haus der Tränen“ ist ein weiteres, erschütterndes und einnehmendes Werk der Autorin. Die Härte von Ravens Schicksal macht diesen Band brutal und vermittelt das Gefühl von Hoffnungslosigkeit. Die Momente in der Familie des Onkels gingen mir unter die Haut und haben eine flackernde Wut in mir ausgelöst.
Den Vergleich mit den anderen Teilen der Reihe hält das letzte Einzelschicksal auf jeden Fall stand. Alle bisherigen Bücher haben ein hohes, emotionales Niveau, ohne dabei kitschig zu wirken. Sehr gespannt bin ich darauf, wie es mit den Mädchen der Orphan-Saga im Lakewood House weitergeht und ob es der abschließende Ausgangspunkt für eine bessere Zukunft wird.
Die Orphan-Saga:
1) Dunkler Schmetterling
2) Geliebte Crystal
3) Spiegel der Schatten
4) Haus der Tränen
5) Die Flucht der Waisen
„Haus der Tränen“ ist der vierte Band der Orphan-Saga von V. C. Andrews. Diesmal steht das Schicksal von Raven im Mittelpunkt. Schon anhand der ersten Seiten wird deutlich, dass ihre Geschichte eine gewaltige Härte in sich trägt. Obwohl das Mädchen keine klassische Waise ist, muss sie früh lernen, sich allein durchs Leben zu schlagen. Dieser Weg ist von Schmerz, Enttäuschungen und der Sehnsucht nach Geborgenheit geprägt.
Raven wächst bei einer überforderten Mutter auf, die ihr weder Halt noch Sicherheit gibt. Als diese im Gefängnis und später in einer Einrichtung landet, kommt Raven in die Obhut ihres Onkels und hofft auf einen Neuanfang. Obwohl es äußerlich wie das perfekt-klassische Bild wirkt, tun sich in der Fassade Risse auf. William, der Sohn des Hauses, ist eingeschüchtert und voller Angst, während seine Schwester Jennifer durch Arroganz und Hinterhältigkeit auffällt. Besonders schlimm empfand ich das Verhalten der Cousine, da sie sich weder um ihren Bruder noch um ihre Mutter kümmert. Sie denkt nur an sich selbst. Dagegen wirkt die Tante wie eine Frau, die sich mit ihrem Schicksal abgefunden hat. Zumindest findet sie wenigstens etwas Wärme für Raven. Dennoch ist klar, dass sie dort in keine liebevolle Familie aufgenommen wird, sondern maximal geduldet ist.
Imponierend fand ich, wie tapfer Raven trotz all dieser Umstände bleibt. Sie erträgt Erniedrigungen und Gewalt, ohne daran zu zerbrechen. Und sie schafft es sogar, ihrem Cousin William etwas Aufmerksamkeit zu schenken.
Andrews hat Ravens Dasein als Waisenkind, obwohl sie im eigentlichen Sinne keines ist, sehr anschaulich beleuchtet. Sie zeigt, was es bedeutet, wenn man keinen Platz in einer Familie hat und jederzeit spüren muss, dass man nicht erwünscht ist, sondern nur ertragen wird. In der Umgebung des Onkels wird außerdem deutlich, dass ein augenscheinlich vollständiges Elternhaus keineswegs heil sein muss. Gewalt, Manipulation und fehlende Empathie prägen den Alltag. Für Raven bleibt oft nur der Rückzug, um durchzuhalten.
Die Stimmung des Romans ist entsprechend schwer zu ertragen und hat mich beim Lesen manchmal sprachlos gemacht. Szenen, in denen Gewalt offen ausgesprochen oder angedeutet wird, wirken so eindringlich, dass sie mir sogar im geschützten Dasein als Leserin Angst eingejagt haben.
„Haus der Tränen“ ist ein weiteres, erschütterndes und einnehmendes Werk der Autorin. Die Härte von Ravens Schicksal macht diesen Band brutal und vermittelt das Gefühl von Hoffnungslosigkeit. Die Momente in der Familie des Onkels gingen mir unter die Haut und haben eine flackernde Wut in mir ausgelöst.
Den Vergleich mit den anderen Teilen der Reihe hält das letzte Einzelschicksal auf jeden Fall stand. Alle bisherigen Bücher haben ein hohes, emotionales Niveau, ohne dabei kitschig zu wirken. Sehr gespannt bin ich darauf, wie es mit den Mädchen der Orphan-Saga im Lakewood House weitergeht und ob es der abschließende Ausgangspunkt für eine bessere Zukunft wird.
Die Orphan-Saga:
1) Dunkler Schmetterling
2) Geliebte Crystal
3) Spiegel der Schatten
4) Haus der Tränen
5) Die Flucht der Waisen
June 6, 2019
Easily my favorite of the Orphans series. I could relate to Raven on several levels, and of all the orphans, her personality and life view seemed the most genuine.
The ending was kind of rushed, but otherwise, I enjoyed the read.
The ending was kind of rushed, but otherwise, I enjoyed the read.
July 19, 2017
pretty good Novella, wanted to beat up Jennifer and the Uncle!
April 11, 2018
Yay!!!! Off to the final book with all the girls. Going in to the unknown. I would say this one is my favourite of the 4. Then Butterfly. Then I'm torn with Crystal and Brooke.
She's only 12? I thought she was older. So 3 of 4 of them are the same age. 🤔 Crystal is 15 while the others are 12. Janet/Butterfly turned 13 in her book.
Seems very ancient to think oh it's a girl not a boy. It's not mine. ??? What Raven's dad claimed when she was born and ditched.
I was confused with Raven stating if her mother wanted to get married again. I was surprised. I didn't think her mom was ever married. Then there she was. Her mom confirms that they just lived together. No marriage. Raven took on his last name anyway though.
I actually hadn't remembered her mom in the book at all. I only recalled her living with her uncle.
For some reason I thought her Uncle was scuzzy but he's grossed out by their place and wears a suit to work so maybe not.
Her aunt Clara saying she's was young and impulsive. Listen to your head not your heart. Ain't that the truth!
Mr Finnamon? It's like Finnigan n Cinnamon.
Wow!!! Her cousin Jennifer is racist. Commenting about how dark Raven is.
For some reason I thought she had 2 mean older boy cousins as well as others. Boys close in age. Guess I'm wrong. A girl and a shy withdrawn boy.
I'm thinking my memory of Uncle Reuben being a perv is wrong too.
It's noted in all the books how kids with family behave no different than orphan children. Nope there's good and bad of everything, everyone and everywhere.
No dentist for nearly a year. Honestly that's better than I would have expected.
That's 3 out of 4 of these girls who got sick. Crystal was the only one not to fall ill.
Raven's mom tempted her uncle Rueben???? I hear incest on the rise. It's like Bates motel.
Is it jealousy or a trap? The hot popular guy talking to Raven that another boy told her that this Jimmy guy liked her. Ok so doesn't sound like a trap. Said she's old enough to go out if she wants? She's 12!!!!?
Seems like Brooke should have been with this family being that Uncle Rueben loves sports.
Her age and they make it like she is older. I know it happens but am still appalled by them partying, drinking, boys, at their age. I feel concerned with the girls who may of have read this. They may think this is normal.
Yep they go far quickly. She likes kisses long, wet and hard. Makes me think of soggy, drooly kisses. The wet part. No thanks!!!!
And there it is. So Jennifer's rumor spreading backfired. Got Jimmy interested but only wanted sex.
Guess Jennifer had sex. 😕 This seems to be turning into 13 reasons why. Well the one thing.
Here's an idea. Tell Uncle Rueben Brad date raped her. That would sure move the anger. She won't be but she could get pregnant or pick up something. Oh his precious princess might be safe from his wrath. She was like passed out drunk so I would say that's rape. Plus again. HER AGE!!! Ugh I can't stand it. Raven says she may have done it before. That may be but it's all wrong. I know it isn't impossible. I had a friend who lost her virginity at 11 and partied like crazy. I've heard of other situations of girls so young getting caught up in these things. I've also heard but this could be rumor. But an 11 yr old girl having sex with a 9 yr old boy.
Welp!!! This sure counts as child abuse to me. Lifts her skirt. Yanks her panties down then whips her with the belt. I know it was a common form of discipline but this seems wrong. I never thought the belt was ok. Then we add in her age and it's a male. Nope! Nope! That would be traumatic. And now I know why I thought of him as pervy. Saying she wiggles her rear end at boys like her mom. To me that says he checks her out. 🤢 At least how he puts it.
She's brave. Lipping him the next morning after he threw water on her while sleeping. Poor girl. Good on brave but scary for her.
Did she imply that her Uncle Reuben rapes and/or molests Jennifer? Oh! I thought Raven was catching them in the act but no. It was just Jennifer blaming Raven.
I'm not sure how not tattling helps. But maybe that's just me.
Yep! She said what I thought. That he enjoyed it and he's perverse.
Kids teasing Raven like she did something sexual. A girl calls out "So who's next on your list?" She should have said yer mum or yer dad. 😂
Walks up to confront Jimmy. "Say how small of a penis he has." Oh! I like her response. Yep says to tackle a guy like Jimmy you gotta take a stab at his manhood.
Oh!!!! A second whipping when the first whipping was so recent. That would hurt so much. At least her Aunt Clara saved her from it.
Well he pretty much admitted to raping her mom. Said she pranced around half naked. Uh! Sometimes siblings think they are safe to do so being siblings. Guess not here. It's a sad thing, people not safe within their homes.
Dingy basement as a room. I've got news. Sadly many people live in dingy basements. Or other unsavoury places. Many teens. I've known of them. Been there. Fun!
So Raven thought the same. You can be an orphan even with parents. Perhaps kids do think homes with families are wonderful but they sure aren't always. Heck more often than not.
Yes! She snuck out to rape a "special" kid. Though he only has a speech impediment.
Oh no! Beat down! He says if Clara interferes it'll be worse for everyone. What does that mean? Who else gets beat like that?
Ha! Wishing he would fall down the stairs and break his neck.
Clarence telling her to ignore his Stepdad after he had rattled to her uncle. She's like it's ok. Even though she got 6 whacks for it. Give me the kids. I'll be good to them.
The boys teasing Clarence. Say loud enough. He's more of a man than you. Lol On the bus the girls stuttering "I love you Raven!" To tease them. I'd be like. Thank you. I'm sorry the feeling isn't mutual.
Do it!!!! Beat er ass. Lmao jk {Raven wanting to yank Jennifer by her pony after heading home and Clarence smashing his hand through a window breaking it and cutting himself due to Jennifer's and her friend's teasing.} Kids are cruel. The things I wish I knew.
Her uncle saying Raven is just trouble. All the bad things happening since she arrived. She shoulda said "You want trouble!?! I got trouble right here!!!!" Lmao jk
Her stating how she couldn't imagine things being any worse. Then says things did. I'm scared!!! I've forgotten majority of this book for some reason.
It makes me want to goad bullied kids on.
Oh gawd. She's home alone. Is she going to be raped by her uncle? I had thought he had molested her by memory. But so far not official. At least nothing sexual you could use to press charges.
Oh god! Oh god!!!! It seems he's ready to rape her. Please no!!! Thank god!!! No rape! Worst beating? Because of the sexual pretences? Or because he pummelled her? How is she not battered looking.
The phys ed teacher screamed at her to see the nurse after catching her changing in the change room and saw all the bruises. I'm going to say it was her shock. I guess her beating wasn't on her face or shown parts.
So what was his sentence? The judge didn't believe him that Raven deserved it. Sounds like he was released though since there was concerns of her going back to the home.
Ok! So is it that Louise is nice that she'd teared up thinking about what happened to Raven? Or is it fake/for show. Though the epilogues of the last two hasn't implied mistreatment with the next girl seeing the previous girls. "Horror Hotel" by Brooke?!!! This still sounds scary even with her saying I'm just kidding Louise. Oh she said it's okay.
I see they officially call Janet Butterfly.
She's only 12? I thought she was older. So 3 of 4 of them are the same age. 🤔 Crystal is 15 while the others are 12. Janet/Butterfly turned 13 in her book.
Seems very ancient to think oh it's a girl not a boy. It's not mine. ??? What Raven's dad claimed when she was born and ditched.
I was confused with Raven stating if her mother wanted to get married again. I was surprised. I didn't think her mom was ever married. Then there she was. Her mom confirms that they just lived together. No marriage. Raven took on his last name anyway though.
I actually hadn't remembered her mom in the book at all. I only recalled her living with her uncle.
For some reason I thought her Uncle was scuzzy but he's grossed out by their place and wears a suit to work so maybe not.
Her aunt Clara saying she's was young and impulsive. Listen to your head not your heart. Ain't that the truth!
Mr Finnamon? It's like Finnigan n Cinnamon.
Wow!!! Her cousin Jennifer is racist. Commenting about how dark Raven is.
For some reason I thought she had 2 mean older boy cousins as well as others. Boys close in age. Guess I'm wrong. A girl and a shy withdrawn boy.
I'm thinking my memory of Uncle Reuben being a perv is wrong too.
It's noted in all the books how kids with family behave no different than orphan children. Nope there's good and bad of everything, everyone and everywhere.
No dentist for nearly a year. Honestly that's better than I would have expected.
That's 3 out of 4 of these girls who got sick. Crystal was the only one not to fall ill.
Raven's mom tempted her uncle Rueben???? I hear incest on the rise. It's like Bates motel.
Is it jealousy or a trap? The hot popular guy talking to Raven that another boy told her that this Jimmy guy liked her. Ok so doesn't sound like a trap. Said she's old enough to go out if she wants? She's 12!!!!?
Seems like Brooke should have been with this family being that Uncle Rueben loves sports.
Her age and they make it like she is older. I know it happens but am still appalled by them partying, drinking, boys, at their age. I feel concerned with the girls who may of have read this. They may think this is normal.
Yep they go far quickly. She likes kisses long, wet and hard. Makes me think of soggy, drooly kisses. The wet part. No thanks!!!!
And there it is. So Jennifer's rumor spreading backfired. Got Jimmy interested but only wanted sex.
Guess Jennifer had sex. 😕 This seems to be turning into 13 reasons why. Well the one thing.
Here's an idea. Tell Uncle Rueben Brad date raped her. That would sure move the anger. She won't be but she could get pregnant or pick up something. Oh his precious princess might be safe from his wrath. She was like passed out drunk so I would say that's rape. Plus again. HER AGE!!! Ugh I can't stand it. Raven says she may have done it before. That may be but it's all wrong. I know it isn't impossible. I had a friend who lost her virginity at 11 and partied like crazy. I've heard of other situations of girls so young getting caught up in these things. I've also heard but this could be rumor. But an 11 yr old girl having sex with a 9 yr old boy.
Welp!!! This sure counts as child abuse to me. Lifts her skirt. Yanks her panties down then whips her with the belt. I know it was a common form of discipline but this seems wrong. I never thought the belt was ok. Then we add in her age and it's a male. Nope! Nope! That would be traumatic. And now I know why I thought of him as pervy. Saying she wiggles her rear end at boys like her mom. To me that says he checks her out. 🤢 At least how he puts it.
She's brave. Lipping him the next morning after he threw water on her while sleeping. Poor girl. Good on brave but scary for her.
Did she imply that her Uncle Reuben rapes and/or molests Jennifer? Oh! I thought Raven was catching them in the act but no. It was just Jennifer blaming Raven.
I'm not sure how not tattling helps. But maybe that's just me.
Yep! She said what I thought. That he enjoyed it and he's perverse.
Kids teasing Raven like she did something sexual. A girl calls out "So who's next on your list?" She should have said yer mum or yer dad. 😂
Walks up to confront Jimmy. "Say how small of a penis he has." Oh! I like her response. Yep says to tackle a guy like Jimmy you gotta take a stab at his manhood.
Oh!!!! A second whipping when the first whipping was so recent. That would hurt so much. At least her Aunt Clara saved her from it.
Well he pretty much admitted to raping her mom. Said she pranced around half naked. Uh! Sometimes siblings think they are safe to do so being siblings. Guess not here. It's a sad thing, people not safe within their homes.
Dingy basement as a room. I've got news. Sadly many people live in dingy basements. Or other unsavoury places. Many teens. I've known of them. Been there. Fun!
So Raven thought the same. You can be an orphan even with parents. Perhaps kids do think homes with families are wonderful but they sure aren't always. Heck more often than not.
Yes! She snuck out to rape a "special" kid. Though he only has a speech impediment.
Oh no! Beat down! He says if Clara interferes it'll be worse for everyone. What does that mean? Who else gets beat like that?
Ha! Wishing he would fall down the stairs and break his neck.
Clarence telling her to ignore his Stepdad after he had rattled to her uncle. She's like it's ok. Even though she got 6 whacks for it. Give me the kids. I'll be good to them.
The boys teasing Clarence. Say loud enough. He's more of a man than you. Lol On the bus the girls stuttering "I love you Raven!" To tease them. I'd be like. Thank you. I'm sorry the feeling isn't mutual.
Do it!!!! Beat er ass. Lmao jk {Raven wanting to yank Jennifer by her pony after heading home and Clarence smashing his hand through a window breaking it and cutting himself due to Jennifer's and her friend's teasing.} Kids are cruel. The things I wish I knew.
Her uncle saying Raven is just trouble. All the bad things happening since she arrived. She shoulda said "You want trouble!?! I got trouble right here!!!!" Lmao jk
Her stating how she couldn't imagine things being any worse. Then says things did. I'm scared!!! I've forgotten majority of this book for some reason.
It makes me want to goad bullied kids on.
Oh gawd. She's home alone. Is she going to be raped by her uncle? I had thought he had molested her by memory. But so far not official. At least nothing sexual you could use to press charges.
Oh god! Oh god!!!! It seems he's ready to rape her. Please no!!! Thank god!!! No rape! Worst beating? Because of the sexual pretences? Or because he pummelled her? How is she not battered looking.
The phys ed teacher screamed at her to see the nurse after catching her changing in the change room and saw all the bruises. I'm going to say it was her shock. I guess her beating wasn't on her face or shown parts.
So what was his sentence? The judge didn't believe him that Raven deserved it. Sounds like he was released though since there was concerns of her going back to the home.
Ok! So is it that Louise is nice that she'd teared up thinking about what happened to Raven? Or is it fake/for show. Though the epilogues of the last two hasn't implied mistreatment with the next girl seeing the previous girls. "Horror Hotel" by Brooke?!!! This still sounds scary even with her saying I'm just kidding Louise. Oh she said it's okay.
I see they officially call Janet Butterfly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
Ravens story is so sad. Her mom was put in jail for using drugs, she dont know who her dad is because apparantly it was a one night stand. She has to go live with her Aunt and Uncle to avoid going into the orphanage. She endures horrific emotional, verbal and physical abuse from her Uncle. Her Aunt tries to step in and stop it but shes afraid of her husband. Their daughter Jennifer has no problem putting blame on Raven when ever she can so she will be abused by her dad.
Moving onto Runaways, where all 4 girls are together. Hopefully their lives will turn around for the better.
Moving onto Runaways, where all 4 girls are together. Hopefully their lives will turn around for the better.
February 5, 2020
Very fast read. The folks who are continuing VC Andrews books are doing well.
December 28, 2023
3.5 rounded up
February 9, 2018
can't wait to read Runaways
January 2, 2016
“Raven” by V.C. Andrews is the fourth and final book in the Orphan Miniseries. What set this book apart from the other three was that Raven is not actually an orphan. We learn early on that her mother is a drug addict and barely pays attention to her daughter. When she gets picked up and thrown in jail, Raven is sent to live with her Aunt Clara and Uncle Reuben. That is when the real nightmare starts for her.
Raven quickly learns that the home she has been brought to is an unhappy one, and that her Uncle Reuben is a tyrannical monster. “I was beginning to think I would rather settle for the occasional good days with Mama than the constant life of tension and fear that existed in this home, but I didn’t even have the choice anymore. Maybe I truly was a mistake.” (Raven, pg 89). In true V.C. Andrews fashion, there is plenty of horror and uncomfortable sexual situations throughout the novel. The way that sex is portrayed in this novel felt really forced. Like the book would have been good enough without the uncomfortable sexual situations. But that does seem to be a constant in Andrews’s work.
Would I recommend this book? Not really, the series was somewhat enjoyable, but it isn’t something I would push on other people. I thought that since this was a series that there might be more of a connection at the end between the four characters in the four books, Butterfly, Crystal, Brooke, and Raven. There was just a paragraph or two at the end of each book where the girls met; I expected more of a conclusion. Overall, I finished the book and the series with a feeling of eh. Not terrible, but not great, and certainly not something that I would recommend.
Raven quickly learns that the home she has been brought to is an unhappy one, and that her Uncle Reuben is a tyrannical monster. “I was beginning to think I would rather settle for the occasional good days with Mama than the constant life of tension and fear that existed in this home, but I didn’t even have the choice anymore. Maybe I truly was a mistake.” (Raven, pg 89). In true V.C. Andrews fashion, there is plenty of horror and uncomfortable sexual situations throughout the novel. The way that sex is portrayed in this novel felt really forced. Like the book would have been good enough without the uncomfortable sexual situations. But that does seem to be a constant in Andrews’s work.
Would I recommend this book? Not really, the series was somewhat enjoyable, but it isn’t something I would push on other people. I thought that since this was a series that there might be more of a connection at the end between the four characters in the four books, Butterfly, Crystal, Brooke, and Raven. There was just a paragraph or two at the end of each book where the girls met; I expected more of a conclusion. Overall, I finished the book and the series with a feeling of eh. Not terrible, but not great, and certainly not something that I would recommend.
August 30, 2012
Ah, the last novel in the "Orphans" mini-series before the group novel, "Runaways". It has been quite the ride with quite the cast of characters. This little book also has the distinction of being the first book I finished in college- hooray! Some real grade-A literary magic right here, folks, I'm definitely on my way. All sarcasm aside, this was a fun little series I wish I would've read when I was younger.
This book is a little different, since Raven was living with her mother and is not without parents like the other girls. Her mother is an alcoholic and an addict, and when she gets arrested for possession, Raven is sent to live with her Uncle Reuben and Aunt Clara. Clara is meek and sweet, but Reuben is a bully and a jerk, and so is Raven's cousin Jennifer. Reuben makes Raven's life hell at home and Jennifer makes her life hell at school, and all Raven wants is to have people who love her. After a scary incident with her uncle, Raven is sent to live with the Tooeys, where she meets the other girls- Butterfly, Crystal, and Brooke.
I'm also astounded at how not-PC these books are. There were dabbles of incest in this one, a V.C. favorite, and some classic misogyny thrown around. These are not good books, but they are damn entertaining. I have the group novel in my shelf, and in all honesty, I can't wait to dig in.
This book is a little different, since Raven was living with her mother and is not without parents like the other girls. Her mother is an alcoholic and an addict, and when she gets arrested for possession, Raven is sent to live with her Uncle Reuben and Aunt Clara. Clara is meek and sweet, but Reuben is a bully and a jerk, and so is Raven's cousin Jennifer. Reuben makes Raven's life hell at home and Jennifer makes her life hell at school, and all Raven wants is to have people who love her. After a scary incident with her uncle, Raven is sent to live with the Tooeys, where she meets the other girls- Butterfly, Crystal, and Brooke.
I'm also astounded at how not-PC these books are. There were dabbles of incest in this one, a V.C. favorite, and some classic misogyny thrown around. These are not good books, but they are damn entertaining. I have the group novel in my shelf, and in all honesty, I can't wait to dig in.
November 21, 2014
When I read these novels back in the day I would have given them 3-3.5 STARS and now would say about one Star
I started reading VC Andrews books in the 1991 and stopped about 2003.
I have read:
-Dollanganger Series
-Casteel Series
-Cutler Series
-Landry Series
-Logan Series
-Orphans Series
-Wildflowers Series
-Hudson Series
-Shooting Stars Series
-DeBeers Series
-Broken Wings Series
As a preteen reading these novels was a rebellion and the gothic theme also seemed cool. I stopped reading this author because the novelty wore off, the novels are too formulaic that I could not tell one book from another and gothic aspect was lost.
I started reading VC Andrews books in the 1991 and stopped about 2003.
I have read:
-Dollanganger Series
-Casteel Series
-Cutler Series
-Landry Series
-Logan Series
-Orphans Series
-Wildflowers Series
-Hudson Series
-Shooting Stars Series
-DeBeers Series
-Broken Wings Series
As a preteen reading these novels was a rebellion and the gothic theme also seemed cool. I stopped reading this author because the novelty wore off, the novels are too formulaic that I could not tell one book from another and gothic aspect was lost.
June 1, 2016
Was glad to read another of V.C. Andrews books. I was not happy with the last one so I moved right into this one. Enjoyable read about the plight of a young girl, Raven, striving for a better life. There are four young ladies facing similar problems in their young lives. I feel the need to read and the desire to find help for them. Now I will be looking for Runaways. This is a full-length novel in which the lives of all four girls come together. I am anxious to read and find they have overcome the horrible beginnings and have become happy, well adjusted, successful young women. Don't know if this is what I will find but I will read in hopes.
January 7, 2008
This is the story of a young girl who dealt with a difficult life. Her mother was a drunk who was then sent to jail for using drugs. Her father had left her when she was a child. So she was placed under the care of her uncle who would accuse her of every wrongdoing her cousin would do, and as a consequence would beat her. This novel does a great job portraying the true emotions and feelings Raven felt during these difficult times. The metaphors and similes Andrews used were powerful in all areas.
August 5, 2013
The back of the book is misleading, It makes it sound much worse than it actually is.
I liked Raven's character, like Brooke, she actually tried to stand up for herself in some cases. And she seemed much smarter than Janet and Crystal (even though Crystal is supposed to be amazingly smart). Raven was also much harder than any of the other girls even though she was the only one out of the four girls who had "Family", and overall, she had one of the worst scenarios.
It was a good background story for Raven, and I'm hoping it will shape her even more in Runaways.
I liked Raven's character, like Brooke, she actually tried to stand up for herself in some cases. And she seemed much smarter than Janet and Crystal (even though Crystal is supposed to be amazingly smart). Raven was also much harder than any of the other girls even though she was the only one out of the four girls who had "Family", and overall, she had one of the worst scenarios.
It was a good background story for Raven, and I'm hoping it will shape her even more in Runaways.
May 11, 2011
A quick read. Raven is a heart breaking tale of a young girl struggling to find value in her life. She is basically abandoned by her mother, by the choices she has made. She is taken into her uncle's home where darkness and secrets prevail. Though Raven is rescued from the situation the ending of the book does leave the reader questioning the fate of the her future.
March 24, 2013
Raven's mother is a drug addict/alcoholic. When she gets arrested and escapes Raven is sent to live with her uncle and his family. She has a mean cousin and Raven gets blamed for everything. Her uncle beats her and one daya gym teacher sees and Raven is sent to live at Lakewood house with the 3 other orphans from the previous books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2014
the story of raven whos mother is arrested and put in rehab and runs away and raven has to stay with her mothers brother reuben who feels that raven is a bad seed his own daughter continues to get into trouble and blames it on raven witch only makes her uncle treat her worst..it has a huge conclusion at the end....
August 4, 2016
Raven had to go to live with her mother's brother and his family after the mother was arrested and put in rehab and jail! She was abused by her uncle and cousin.
Eventually a foster home was found for her but not before she endured some bad circumstances. A hard life soon became a little easier.
A good and quick down to the point read.
Eventually a foster home was found for her but not before she endured some bad circumstances. A hard life soon became a little easier.
A good and quick down to the point read.
September 2, 2014
It took three failed novels to bring this one full circle. This had everything the others lacked, 3-dimensional characters, a tragic plot line that while it did get completely out of hand (going from bad to worse to extremely worse) was in fact complete with everything a proper story needs. I can only hope that this dragged forward into the next and final book.
Read
August 20, 2009This well she isn't considered an orphan because she has a mother but her mother got in jail for drugs and her uncle has to take her in and he abused her and whipped her with a belt. This caused her to be moved to a foster care orphan home with the first three orphans in the series.
July 5, 2012
Book was decent. I think it was even more sad than the others because I'm sure this situation happens more than thos in the previous 3 books... Mom is out of the picture - family takes kid in and doesn't treat them as well.
July 7, 2013
After Butterfly, Crystal and Brook I was waiting for Raven to be the exact same snooze but they finally changed it up a bit. I didn't enjoy the poor English in the book though. Worth the read when looking for an easy one.
February 12, 2014
I have to say that this was the best book out of the 4 girls. I really enjoyed this story. It was sending chills up my spine and I could not put it down. It was pretty dark and I really couldn't think ahead on the book.
April 26, 2014
Not quite an orphan
Not quite an orphan
Raven is not orphanned in the same manner as the others in this series, but that is good for keeping the series going without covering the same ground.
Not quite an orphan
Raven is not orphanned in the same manner as the others in this series, but that is good for keeping the series going without covering the same ground.
December 10, 2007
I wasn't a huge fan of the Orphans series, but it was so short, I read it anyway.
August 11, 2015
Loved it! Really enjoyed reading it, another great part in the Orphans series.
May 20, 2009
Trashy but an interesting enough one. I seriously love how godawful the blurbs are as well. Yes, I really read all this crap!
July 27, 2014
These books are all the same.
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