The Language of Flowers

English language

Published April 27, 2011

ISBN:: 978-0-345-52554-3

(1 review)

The Language of Flowers is the debut novel of American author Vanessa Diffenbaugh. It was published in 2011 by Ballantine Books. The novel follows the fraught life of a Victoria Jones, who by the age of 18, had lived in 32 foster homes, and becomes a flower arranger.The novel was inspired by a flower dictionary, a type of Victorian-era book which defines what different types of flowers mean. Diffenbaugh also published a new non-fiction "A Victorian Flower Dictionary" to accompany the novel. The novel was recommended for use in book clubs.

1 edition

Strakul reviewed The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Review of 'The Language of Flowers' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

I don't think this book was for me, but I tried to get what I could out of it. I enjoyed the first part, as the character struggles to find her place in the world. This is diminished on the middle parts where it turns to an unoriginal love story. The last part redeems the book as the main character finds herself again, but it was too little, too late. Maybe other people can enjoy her struggle with romance, pregnancy, and motherhood, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
I did enjoy the language she attributes to flowers and, while whenever I have plants they tend to die quickly (apparently they constantly need to be watered, except when they don't), it is cool to think you could be sending a secret message with your choice of plants.

A full review can be found on my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-language-of-flowers-by.html