A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past. The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it's been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude ...
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A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past. The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it's been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what's been missing in her life, and when she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. Praise for The Language of Flowers Instantly enchanting . . . [Diffenbaugh] is the best new writer of the year. -- Elle "I would like to hand Vanessa Diffenbaugh a bouquet of bouvardia ( enthusiasm ), gladiolus ( you pierce my heart ) and lisianthus ( appreciation ). In this original and brilliant first novel, Diffenbaugh has united her fascination with the language of flowers--a long-forgotten and mysterious way of communication--with her firsthand knowledge of the travails of the foster-care system. . . . This novel is both enchanting and cruel, full of beauty and anger. Diffenbaugh is a talented writer and a mesmerizing storyteller. She includes a flower dictionary in case we want to use the language ourselves. And there is one more sprig I should add to her bouquet: a single pink carnation ( I will never forget you )." -- Washington Post A fascinating debut . . . Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria. -- O Magazine Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love. -- Entertainment Weekly
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Foster children have no place to go when they "age out"--turn 18 and are no longer eligible for system services. Many become lost souls: no family waiting with open arms or hearts to help them find a job, go to college, or even find a place to live. This is the story of one such girl, her search for a place in someone's heart, and finally the memories and people who make it possible for her to find a place to live, grow, and love in a new kind of family. Told in dream- like flashbacks and gritty images of poverty and the homeless, the book is nonetheless a romance as well as a book about parenting and a failing social system.
Gloria W
May 1, 2014
Flowers and Fostercare
The first several chapters were about a destructive and unlikeable, foul mouthed girl soon to be aged-out. Where are the flowers? As the story progresses the connection is made and becomes a very intriguing story.
Barbara H
Apr 13, 2013
Too slow
I really had to push myself to finish reading this book. It was so sad and on the dark side. It was touted as a good read, but it was not for me. It made me feel depressed just reading it.
cqthatcher@sbcglobal.net
Mar 29, 2013
Great Service
Both books were receioved promptly. The second arrived was a hard copy and was in beautiful condition. Thanks.
Toni M
Nov 29, 2012
The book arrived in a timely fashion and is in excellent condition.
