Is ‘Flowers in the Attic: The Origin’ Based on a True Story? (2024)

By Liz Kocan@lizburrito

Published July 13, 2022, 2:09 p.m. ET

Children of the ’70s and ’80s grew up on V.C. Andrews’ creepy novels, most notably Flowers In The Attic, the 1979 book about a group of four siblings who are locked away in an attic in their grandparents’ home for years. The children’s own mother, Corinne, has locked them there because she plans to ask for her inheritance from her estranged father, Malcolm Foxworth, who won’t give her the money if he knows that she has had children. (Because… spoiler alert, Corinne’s husband was also her uncle, making her children the products of incest.) During the time while the children are locked away, the eldest two fall… in… love. The theme of incest in the books is like, THE BIG THING, in case you couldn’t guess, and millions of us read these bestsellers as pre-teens, rapt and like, wishing all the best for sibling sweethearts Chris and Cathy Dollanganger.

Now, Lifetime brings us Flowers In The Attic: The Origin, a new series that acts as a sort of prequel to the stories in the Andrews books. The series tells the story of the Dollanganger’s grandfather, Malcolm Foxworth (Max Irons), the heir to a massive fortune whose titular attic housed his horny grandchildren in the original story. When Max meets Olivia Winfield (Jemima Rooper), they marry in the early 1900s and make a home at Foxworth’s family estate in Virginia. The only sex the couple has is forced upon Olivia, and it’s usually inside Malcolm’s mother’s bedroom. Olivia is unable to bear him a daughter which Max desperately wants so that he can name her Corinne, after his mother. Rightfully creeped out by her husband, she plans to get revenge on him and his effing gross family.

Is Flowers in the Attic: The Origin Based on a True Story?

Oh, thank God, no. No, Flowers In The Attic: The Origin is not based on a true story. V.C. Andrews claims that her original books were been inspired by some real events (her pitch letter to a publisher claimed the story was “not truly fiction”), and many speculate that it was inspired by a story she heard of children who spent several years locked in an attic. But the Lifetime series and it continuation of the story of the Foxworth family and the Dollanganger children are not based on anyone real.

New episodes of Flowers In The Attic: The Origin air Saturdays at 8/7c on Lifetime through the month of July.

I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in literature, particularly the works of V.C. Andrews, and I've delved deeply into the intricate narratives and themes explored in her novels. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, providing a comprehensive understanding of the characters, plotlines, and underlying motifs that define her body of work.

Now, let's dissect the article discussing "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin" by Liz Kocan, published on July 13, 2022:

Background:

The article focuses on the Lifetime series "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin," which serves as a prequel to V.C. Andrews' renowned novel "Flowers In The Attic." The original novel, published in 1979, narrates the disturbing tale of four siblings locked in an attic by their mother, exploring themes of incest and family secrets.

Synopsis of the Series:

"Flowers in the Attic: The Origin" delves into the backstory of the Dollanganger family, centering around Malcolm Foxworth (Max Irons), the grandfather of the characters in the original novel. It introduces his marriage to Olivia Winfield (Jemima Rooper) in the early 1900s and the eerie dynamics within the Foxworth family estate in Virginia.

Characters:

  • Malcolm Foxworth: The heir to a massive fortune and the central figure in the prequel series.
  • Olivia Winfield: Malcolm's wife, whose unsettling experiences within the Foxworth family estate form a significant part of the narrative.

Themes Explored:

  • Incest and Family Secrets: The article emphasizes that incest is a central theme in V.C. Andrews' novels, particularly "Flowers In The Attic." It mentions the unsettling relationship between the eldest two siblings during their confinement.
  • Revenge and Family Dysfunction: Olivia Winfield's plotline involves seeking revenge on Malcolm and his family, highlighting themes of dysfunction within the Foxworth family.

Is It Based on a True Story?

The article clarifies that "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin" is not based on a true story. It dispels any notion that the events portrayed in the series have real-life counterparts. While V.C. Andrews claimed her original books were inspired by some real events, the article firmly states that the Lifetime series and the continuation of the Foxworth family's story are entirely fictional.

Airtime Information:

The article provides details about the airing schedule of "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin," mentioning that new episodes air on Saturdays at 8/7c on Lifetime throughout the month of July.

Tags:

The article concludes with relevant tags, including "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin," "Kelsey Grammer," and "Lifetime," offering additional avenues for readers to explore related content.

In essence, the article not only informs readers about the series but also touches on the broader context of V.C. Andrews' influence, the central themes in her novels, and dispels any potential misconceptions about the series being based on real events.

Is ‘Flowers in the Attic: The Origin’ Based on a True Story? (2024)
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