Deze omnibus bevat 5 boeken: - Ruby (Ruby) - Parel in de mist (Pearl in the Mist) - Alles wat schittert (All that Glitters) - Verborgen juweel (Tarnished Gold) - Het gouden web (Hidden Jewel)
Contains: Bevat: Ruby. - Vert. van: Ruby. - New York [etc.] : Pocket Books, 1994. - Oorspr. Nederlandse uitg.: 1994. - (Ruby ; 1) ; Parel in de mist. - Vert. van: Pearl in the mist. - New York [etc.] : Pocket Books, 1994. - Oorspr. Nederlandse uitg.: 1995. - (Ruby ; 2) ; Alles wat schittert. - Vert. van: All that glitters. - New York [etc.] : Pocket Books, 1995. - Oorspr. Nederlandse uitg.: 1995. - (Ruby ; 3) ; Verborgen juweel. - Vert. van: Tarnished gold. - New York [etc.] : Pocket Books, 1996. - Oorspr. Nederlandse uitg.: 1996. - (Ruby ; 4) ; Gouden web. - Vert. van: Hidden jewel. - New York [etc.] : Pocket Books, 1995. - Oorspr. Nederlandse uitg.: 1996. - (Ruby ; 5)
Books 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
Book Review: The Landry Series (Books 1-5) by V.C. Andrews
V.C. Andrews’ Landry series, comprising five novels—Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters, Hidden Jewel, and Tarnished Gold—presents a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of family, identity, ambition, and betrayal. This review critically examines the overarching themes, character development, and narrative techniques employed throughout the series, highlighting how these elements contribute to the saga’s emotional depth and social commentary.
Overview of the Series The Landry series follows Ruby Landry, a young girl of Cajun descent, as she navigates the trials of her tumultuous life marked by family secrets, societal expectations, and personal ambition. Each novel builds upon Ruby’s journey, revealing her struggles and the complex dynamics within her family. The series culminates in Tarnished Gold, which serves as a prequel focused on Gabriel Landry, Ruby’s half-brother, providing additional context to the family’s legacy and challenges.
Narrative Style and Structure Andrews employs a first-person narrative style across the series, allowing readers to engage intimately with Ruby’s emotional experiences. This perspective fosters a deep connection to her character, making her struggles and triumphs feel palpable. The structure of the series alternates between linear storytelling and reflective flashbacks, enriching the narrative by providing context and depth to the characters’ motivations and relationships.
Character Development Central to the series is Ruby Landry, whose character evolves significantly over the course of the five novels. Ruby begins as a naive and hopeful girl, but as she confronts the harsh realities of her life, including betrayal by loved ones and the weight of family expectations, she grows into a resilient woman determined to forge her own identity. The character of Gabriel in Tarnished Gold adds further complexity, illustrating how familial legacies and personal ambitions can intertwine, leading to conflict and betrayal.
The relationships Ruby has with her family, particularly with her mother and half-sister, are fraught with tension and complexity, reflecting broader themes of loyalty and the search for self-identity. Andrews deftly portrays how these dynamics shape Ruby’s decisions and her quest for belonging, making her journey relatable to readers.
Themes of Identity and Legacy One of the prominent themes in the Landry series is the exploration of identity and the impact of family legacy. Ruby’s struggle with her Cajun roots and the secrets of her family deeply inform her sense of self. The novels grapple with the question of what it means to belong and how one’s heritage can both empower and constrain individual aspirations. This theme is particularly evident in Hidden Jewel, where Ruby’s quest for understanding her roots is central to her character arc.
Ambition and the consequences of personal desires also feature prominently. Each character’s ambitions often lead to conflicts that test familial bonds, highlighting the often painful sacrifices made in the pursuit of personal goals. This tension is particularly evident in All That Glitters, where Ruby’s desire for stability clashes with the realities of her relationships.
Social Commentary and Educational Implications The Landry series engages with significant social issues, such as class disparity, the complexities of familial relationships, and the psychological effects of trauma. Andrews’ exploration of these themes provides a rich basis for discussion within educational contexts, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and the societal constructs that shape them. The emotional resonance of Ruby’s story invites readers to consider broader questions of identity, belonging, and the impact of familial legacies in their lives.
Conclusion In conclusion, V.C. Andrews’ Landry series is a powerful exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Through Ruby Landry’s journey and the interconnected narratives of her family, Andrews crafts a compelling saga that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The series not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful reflection on the nature of ambition, the weight of heritage, and the enduring search for self-acceptance. As a significant contribution to young adult literature, the Landry series stands as a compelling examination of the intricate ties that bind family and the personal journeys that emerge from them.
I started reading this as a teenager, but never finished it. I thought about it a while back and ordered the series online. Loved them! Reminded me of a Lifetime movie, lol!! A couple of eye rolls, but overall super good. I just wanted these poor Landry women to catch a break!! Jeez!
one of the best, most loved series/authors of all time. V.C. Andrews books are something so easily recognizable and new books continue to evolve to go with the times and bring in a whole new generation of loving readers
v.c. andrews books are all absolutely amazing and very easily distinguishable from any other authors. i love the darkeness, secrets, lies, very addicting, i have almost every single book!