The discovery of an unpublished manuscript is always a thrilling event for literary enthusiasts, and for fans of V.C. Andrews, the excitement reached fever pitch with the revelation of “Where the Greener Grass Grows.” Initially believed to be a standalone, unreleased novel, it was soon unveiled as the first draft of what would become the iconic “Petals on the Wind.” This revelation sparked numerous questions: What secrets did this original manuscript hold? How did it differ from the final, published version?
Jessica Zinder, granted limited time to explore this literary treasure, shared her insights into the manuscript’s contents, offering a glimpse into a vastly different narrative. Spanning 486 typed pages, this third-person narrative, missing its first chapter, presents a stark contrast to the “Petals on the Wind” we know. “Where the Greener Grass Grows” unfolds at a deliberate pace, revealing significant deviations in plot and character arcs.
Key Differences in “Where the Green Grass Grows”
The manuscript diverges significantly from “Petals on the Wind” in several key aspects, particularly in the storylines of Cathy, Paul, Carrie, Chris, and Corrine.
Cathy and Paul
In “Where the Greener Grass Grows,” the narrative spotlight shines on Cathy’s relationship with Paul. The story delves into their courtship and eventual marriage. We see Cathy navigating school, grappling with mathematics, and even facing a harrowing near-gang rape experience. Paul, in a protective gesture, considers sending her to private education. Henny plays a surprising role, actively encouraging Cathy and Paul’s relationship and sharing details of her own marriage. A pivotal shift occurs as Cathy abandons her aspirations of becoming a ballerina, instead embracing the role of Paul’s housekeeper. Her romantic history includes a boy named Grant Sarnoff, whom she leaves upon realizing Paul’s jealousy. Interestingly, Paul is aware of Cathy’s past trauma with Chris. Their marriage endures throughout the manuscript, with Paul still alive at its conclusion. Paul’s character is multifaceted: a doctor dedicated to his profession and also involved in aiding children who are victims of abuse.
Alt text: Cathy and Paul in a tender moment, reflecting their central relationship in “Where the Greener Grass Grows”, a stark contrast to the tumultuous events of Petals on the Wind.
Carrie
Carrie and Chris recede into the background during the initial part of “Where the Greener Grass Grows.” Carrie’s storyline involves marriage to Alex and the birth of their daughter, Catherine Leigh. Whether Alex is depicted as a minister remains unclear. Tragically, Carrie’s life is cut short as she dies by the end of the manuscript.
Chris
The incestuous relationship between Cathy and Chris, a central and disturbing element of “Flowers in the Attic” and “Petals on the Wind,” is relegated to a single, early mention in “Where the Greener Grass Grows.” Chris confronts Cathy, stating that their attic experiences must never be repeated. He later marries a nurse named Sarah. Sarah’s fate is left ambiguous, as she is not mentioned towards the manuscript’s conclusion, leaving the status of Chris’s marriage uncertain.
Corrine
Corrine faces legal repercussions for her horrific actions against her children. She is brought to trial, but the manuscript leaves the verdict ambiguous, ultimately indicating she was set free. Like Carrie, Corrine also meets her demise by the manuscript’s end.
Foxworth Hall
In a significant departure from the fiery conclusion of “Petals on the Wind,” Foxworth Hall remains standing in “Where the Greener Grass Grows,” a silent witness to the unfolding family drama.
The Murder Mystery Revelation
Perhaps the most sensational revelation from “Where the Greener Grass Grows” is the implication of murder. Jessica Zinder’s exclusive reveal to AtticSecrets highlighted that “Cathy was looking for the killer who killed both Carrie and Corrine,” suggesting the perpetrator could be the grandmother or someone else entirely. This evidence, particularly surrounding Corrine’s death, hints at V.C. Andrews’ initial vision for the Dollanganger saga as a potential two-book series.
Alt text: A suspenseful image hinting at the murder mystery at the heart of “Where the Greener Grass Grows”, a darker path not fully explored in Petals on the Wind.
This discovery lends credence to the theory that “If There Be Thorns,” “Seeds of Yesterday,” and possibly “Garden of Shadows” were later additions to the saga, potentially conceived by ghostwriters after V.C. Andrews’ passing. However, the author of the original blog post suspects that Virginia might have subtly woven clues to this original, darker narrative within these later books, particularly in Malcolm’s journal and Corrine’s dialogue.
Similarities and Subtext
Despite the dramatic plot divergences, “Where the Greener Grass Grows” retains some thematic threads from “Petals on the Wind.” One striking similarity is the shift from subtext to directness. While “Petals on the Wind” uses subtext, such as Carrie’s suicide, to allude to potential murder, “Where the Greener Grass Grows” confronts the possibility of murder directly. This directness might support the interpretation that the hinted suicides in “Petals on the Wind” were indeed intended to be understood as murders.
Jessica Zinder’s Perspective
Jessica Zinder’s personal reading experience offers valuable insight into the manuscript’s tone and impact. She noted the initial difficulty in adjusting to the third-person perspective, a departure from V.C. Andrews’ signature first-person narration. She described the pacing as slow and steady, contrasting it with the fast-paced, dramatic nature of “Petals on the Wind.” Zinder believes that the rewrite process for “Petals on the Wind” involved tightening the narrative and amplifying the action. She observed that Cathy appears more passionate and deeply affected by events in “Where the Greener Grass Grows,” while Chris seems more profoundly damaged by his past, choosing separation from Cathy rather than the complex entanglement of “Petals on the Wind.” Carrie’s character also undergoes a transformation, becoming quieter and more mature. Zinder also noted the absence of Carrie’s “Little Person” characteristic in the manuscript. Despite the significant changes, Zinder recognized the manuscript as a clear precursor to “Petals on the Wind,” suggesting that V.C. Andrews might have rewritten the story to extend the series beyond a duology or cater to publisher expectations for a more sensational narrative.
Conclusion
“Where the Greener Grass Grows” presents a fascinating alternate reality within the Dollanganger universe. It offers fans a glimpse into the genesis of “Petals on the Wind,” revealing a narrative that is both familiar and strikingly different. The manuscript’s slower pace, altered character arcs, and the overt murder mystery element provide a rich ground for discussion and re-evaluation of the Dollanganger saga. For devoted readers, “Where the Greener Grass Grows” is more than just a draft; it’s a key to understanding the evolution of a beloved, yet haunting, literary series, and invites speculation about the “true story” that may have inspired V.C. Andrews’ iconic work. The discovery of this manuscript reignites the enduring mystery and allure of the Dollanganger saga, leaving fans eager to delve deeper into the shadows of Foxworth Hall and the secrets buried Where The Green Grass Grows.
