THE WOMAN BEYOND THE ATTIC

A biography of author Cleo Virginia Andrews (1923-1986), written by her longtime ghostwriter.

Andrews is best known for her controversial (and frequently banned) gothic novel Flowers in the Attic, which was first published in 1979 and adapted into films in 1987 and 2014. Following the author’s death from breast cancer in 1986, Neiderman, who is best known for his novel The Devil’s Advocate, was commissioned by Andrews’ family to carry on her literary legacy under her pen name, V.C. Andrews. (Neiderman has written more than 70 novels under the name.) Through a study of Andrews’ personal letters and interviews with family members, Neiderman provides insight into her life in an attempt to answer some of the questions that have been posed by fans over the years. He also attempts to clarify misconceptions that have arisen regarding her medical condition. Analyzing her work, primarily Flowers in the Attic, Neiderman speculates about the inspiration for her stories and their characters, with a particular focus on similarities to Andrews’ strained relationship with her mother, Lillian, who became her caregiver. Neiderman also discusses Andrews’ other artistic talents and speaks to the physical and mental struggles that she endured throughout her life—many caused by the early death of her father, frequent moves, an accident she suffered on a staircase as a teenager, and numerous unsuccessful medical treatments and surgeries. The author also discusses Andrews’ views on religion, reincarnation, and the media, including her disdain for interviews. Though repetitive at times, Neiderman does an admirable job weaving in the available information about Andrews, offering a coherent view into the life and thoughts of this reticent writer. At the request of her family, he also includes “the only unfinished, authentic Virginia Andrews manuscript in the possession of the Andrews family,” which they wanted to be published in unedited form.

Andrews' fans will appreciate this insightful glimpse into her mysterious life.