The Language of Flowers
By Vanessa Diffenbaugh
- Release Date: 2011-08-23
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
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 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 with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger 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.
Look for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more.
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
Reviews
The Language of Flowers
5By designer1949Loved the book.The Language of Flowers
5By bbcereaderExcellent writing with many underlying themes .Language of flowers
5By auntie bertaExcellent read right from beginning to end. I had never thought about what happens to foster kids when they age out. There needs to be more awareness and better programs to promote success in transition.The Language of Flowers
5By Misterjk.comEye opening.....emotional.....wonderful !Fantastic
5By Want my chipotle fasterA great book. Refreshing, real and engrossing.The Language of Flowers
5By Quirkygal1As a former foster child, this book pulled at my heartstrings ❤ I think anyone who has felt unworthy at some point in their life would be inspired by this book though..Captivating
5By Abarr8888This book was surprisingly captivating! Loved it!!The language Of Flowers
5By SmedlelyboxBeautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Don't miss out on this one!Wow
5By Sylliesyl0000Im not a reader, at all. My Neighbor recommended this book. Beautiful and touching! Such a fun readLanguage of Flowers
5By SomethingClever1234Excellent book! I didn't want it to end.
