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The Language of Flowers A Novel Vanessa Diffenbaugh Books

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The Language of Flowers A Novel Vanessa Diffenbaugh Books

5 Stars, really....5 Stars. It is a GREAT book. Finished it in two days (and I have three kids, a full time job and a BUSY life...so you know...not a lot of sleep!) The writer isn't overly intellectual in her writing, but the topic of using a Victorian-era "language" could get really intricate in description. I would guess that she wanted to add a lot of factual info from her research and then decided that, based on the age of the characters, adding in all of that would have made the story less believable...so, kudos to your restraint Ms. Diffenbaugh! I was looking for a read that wouldn't be too emotional. Something that would pull me in gently and move quickly. I have read too many books, recently that just go on about nothing and 10 pages in you feel like you haven't left the scene....or you're not far from where you were. (Okay, 10 pages is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean...fluff!) I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enjoy a book after maybe spending too long in T.V.-land, or Rat-Racing through life. This is a nice little place of respite and enrichment.


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The Language of Flowers A Novel Vanessa Diffenbaugh Books Reviews

The Language of Flowers, is a contemporary novel set in the San Francisco Bay Area. The title refers to the Victorian custom of communicating emotional messages by means of the gift of flowers. The main character, Victoria, has a bleak childhood in foster care. The book alternates chapters about her life once she ages out--at 18, and her earlier life as an unwanted foster child. In case you thought only of Victorian orphans suffering in 19th Century novels, Vanessa Diffenbough’s novel reveals the problems contemporary foster kids endure, and the long term consequences.
There is so much to savor in this book. You learn about the language of flowers, the retail florist business, the under- the- table economy, a foster child's life. And there is a love story or two, and a multi-generational family mystery.
I was caught up in the story and enjoyed the book. I had a hard time believing some actions of a few characters (the rich land owners) but appreciated learning about the foster-child world. With a few reservations, it is a good book.
This was an amazing book; probably the best I've read all year. At my book club, we unanimously loved it. While the definitions of the flowers was a nice addition, one could argue as to whether they fit well ("Peony" to me is not "anger"; but other definitions were better). It was more the story of a small group of unusual people who dont seem like they could ever find love, ...but DO find love. It centers around a girl who goes thru dozens of bad foster homes, and ends up on the street at 18 years old. Her only talent is understanding flowers...their meanings and how to grow and arrange them. Two people cross her path, and eventually love, patience, and flowers brings them happiness (not counting the flower store owner, who is a positive influence). Some of the situations we found shocking, but believeable. Also, the author kept us in suspense thru good writing techniques. it was almost impossible to predict what happened next. We also were satisfied with the ending. I also encourage people to read the back of the book. First, is the list of definitions (which both the author and the girl int he book developed thru multiple books on flowers). Second there are notes that explain why the author chose the subject that add a new dimension to the storyline.
My book club chose this novel and all 6 of us really enjoyed it. The story was unusual and unexpected, with the protagonist Victoria communicating her feelings to others largely by using the old Victorian meanings of flowers. I learned a lot of things I had not heard much about before, especially about the dismal fate of kids, who've been in and out of foster care and group homes all of their lives, once they age out of the system at age 18. It was a sad yet truly inspiring novel.
This story was heartbreaking and fascinating and moving and frustrating all at once! It's a fabulously written, compelling read - I finished it in one day! Her descriptions of a childhood filled with desertion and betrayal were thoroughly believable. The love story is meticulously crafted and not sexually graphic. The detailed descriptions of flowers and their meanings was captivating.

I highly recommend this book if you like a memoir-style read (and don't mind flashbacks). Though there are hints of violence related to her past - growing up in foster homes and orphanages, however, the author steers well clear of anything graphic or disturbing, which I found refreshing. It is heartbreaking, but utterly readable.
Concise writing exposes the cruelty of the American foster care system through the story of 18-year-old Victoria and her struggle to make a home after emancipation. Gratefully, one foster parent, Elizabeth, had provided her with a unique education in the Victorian language of flowers, which she translates into a job with a small florist shop. Told through flashbacks interspersed within the current timeline of the novel, the reader follows her circuitous path and learns of her time in Elizabeth’s home, gradually uncovering the reasons for Victoria’s heavy armor and watching it shed as she finds the courage to face and forgive herself, her past, and all the family she’s ever known.
5 Stars, really....5 Stars. It is a GREAT book. Finished it in two days (and I have three kids, a full time job and a BUSY life...so you know...not a lot of sleep!) The writer isn't overly intellectual in her writing, but the topic of using a Victorian-era "language" could get really intricate in description. I would guess that she wanted to add a lot of factual info from her research and then decided that, based on the age of the characters, adding in all of that would have made the story less believable...so, kudos to your restraint Ms. Diffenbaugh! I was looking for a read that wouldn't be too emotional. Something that would pull me in gently and move quickly. I have read too many books, recently that just go on about nothing and 10 pages in you feel like you haven't left the scene....or you're not far from where you were. (Okay, 10 pages is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean...fluff!) I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enjoy a book after maybe spending too long in T.V.-land, or Rat-Racing through life. This is a nice little place of respite and enrichment.