Petals on the Wind

     The current book I am reading is Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews. Before reading this book, I suggest reading the first book in the Dollanganger series, Flowers in the Attic. Without reading the first book, there will be a lot of confusion and cause a lot of questions, due to where the story starts off. So far, I enjoy Petals on the Wind but it can be confusing without a recap from the previous book.

     The story starts off with three runaways named Carrie, Cathy, and Chris. These three plan to join the circus until Chris can earn enough money to be able to pay for medical school to become a doctor and support his younger siblings. They are not able to continue their bus ride to Florida due to Carrie's worsening fever and other symptoms that Cory had been observed with shortly before he died. They needed to get off the bus and quickly, but, there were no hospitals for miles and they had no way to pay for medical care. Luckily, they meet Henrietta Beech, a mute cook, who can direct them to a nearby doctor.


Petals on the Wind cover

"My name Henrietta Beech,  she'd written, Can hear, but no talk. Little girl is very, very sick and need good doctor. I read this, then looked at her hoping she'd have more information. "Do you know of a good doctor?" I asked. She nodded vigorously, then quickly dashed off another green note. Your good fortune I be on your bus, and can take you to my own doctor-son, who is very best doctor."

      After reaching the doctor's house, Carrie was diagnosed of arsenic poisoning, and was lucky they found Henrietta. Chris and Cathy both had arsenic poisoning also, but, they didn't have as much in their system as Carrie did. Due to their situation and Carrie's terrible condition, the doctor decides to take the three children in as his wards.



 Amazon Summary