If There Be Thorns

About “If There Be Thorns”

If There Be Thorns is a novel by Virginia Andrews published in 1981. It is the third book in the Dollanganger series and takes place in 1982. The story is told through the perspectives of two half-brothers, Jory and Bart Sheffield. Jory is talented and handsome, hoping to follow his mother Cathy’s career in ballet, while Bart is unattractive and feels overshadowed by Jory. Cathy and Chris live together as common-law spouses, and they tell others that Chris is Paul’s younger brother to hide their past. Cathy secretly adopts Cindy, the daughter of a former dance student who died, to have a child of her own. Chris initially resists but later accepts the adoption. Bart, feeling neglected, befriends an elderly neighbor who moves in next door. She invites him over and calls herself "Grandmother," encouraging him to keep their relationship a secret. Jory also visits the woman and learns she is his grandmother, but he refuses to believe her. Bart grows close to her and receives gifts, while Jory avoids her. The woman becomes a source of comfort for Bart, offering him attention and affection that he lacks at home.