‘It spoke to me; there were others out there like me’
MARILYN DEVONISH, 55, FROM WATFORD, SAYS FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC BY V.C. ANDREWS HELPED HER FEEL LESS ALONE
Iwas very shy and quiet as a teenager, but in books and music I could lose myself. I was on the outskirts of the popular clique at school – trying to get by in my pretend Dunlop trainers from Woolworths, while they all had the real ones.
At home, I’d close the living room door, put music on and dance to lift myself up, or I’d lock myself away and read.
I must have been about 12 years old when I first read Flowers in the Attic, which was published in 1979. I was transported in that book and could feel the claustrophobia of the room where the siblings were imprisoned, the confusion, the secrecy, the forbidden sexual undertones.
It resonated with me as I felt there were parallels in my life – loneliness and isolation. I was having a tough time at home and I could relate to the characters being in the shadows.
It introduced me to the psychological and emotional games people might play, and how to find respite and pockets of joy within that.
There was the spectre of the grandmother, that thing of someone not liking your physical presence, that they would get rid of you if they could – though I should add my grandmother was great!
The book spoke to me – it made me feel there were other people out there, feeling the same emotions.
When a film was released in 2015, I was reluctant to watch it because I didn’t want to ruin the imagery in my mind but I loved it. I’ve watched it three times over the years. It captures every nuance, and it enhanced my experience. I felt as though I was watching the characters I loved.
Now, as a coach and therapist for almost 23 years, I always recommend losing yourself in books and music – it’s a state changer and it saved my life.
● tranceformationstm.com