The Language of Flowers - Vanessa Diffenbaugh

I put my writing aside today so I could finish this novel and post my first review. I use the term 'review' loosely though. I have never properly reviewed a book before, I normally just tell everyone who will listen what I thought of it. But, I'll give it a crack.

The main character is Victoria. The story is told in two main parts although they are intertwined throughout the book. The first part focusses on her childhood and how after spending years in the foster-care system she became untrusting, hateful and reserved. When Elizabeth takes her home she slowly teaches her about the Victorian Language of Flowers. It was used as a way to express feelings: pink roses for grace, tulips for a declaration of love. Through flowers, Victoria slowly starts open up and trust again.

The second part of the story is told when Victoria is eighteen and free from foster care. Alone and with no where to live she meets Renata, the owner of a local florist. When Victoria demonstrates the talent she has for arranging flowers that are personal and heartfelt, Renata employs her and helps her get back on her feet. While working for Renata, Victoria meets a mysterious vendor at a flower market and is forced to come to terms with a secret she has been keeping since she was a child. What evolves from that is unexpected, powerful and heart breaking.

I am attracted to flawed and imperfect characters in books. They are so much more believable and likeable. I loved this book for that very reason. When I didn't have my nose in this novel, I was constantly thinking about it. The story line was original, it kept me guessing and it challenged me to think about a few issues that were a little uncomfortable. It was easy to read and I even learned a thing or two about flowers. It was a great read!

Has anyone read The Language of Flowers? What did you think?

Sam I Am