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reyna97's review
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.75
This book consists of four parts covering each of the seasons and then divided further into four chapters per season, covering different flowers that either grow during that season or are represented by poetic/philosophic/political meanings of a particular season.
kirsty147's review
4.0
A beautiful and fascinating book about flowers and what they mean both historically and in the present day. The symbolism of certain flowers was very interesting and certainly educated me more about the human connection to flowers. It's a book to pick up and read a chapter when you feel as though you need a little lift. A perfect coffee table book, and/or one for those who are avid nature lovers.
I received a digital copy of the book from NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a digital copy of the book from NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
andrewspink's review
4.0
The subject matter of the book is something that I find fascinating. I studied botany at university, many years ago, and have had a lifelong fascination with plants, including cultural attitudes ever since. The book is a charming collection of anecdotes, literary references and etymology about a selection of common plants. The author has done her best to bring some structure into the narrative, but it remains more of a book for dipping into than reading cover to cover. The selection of what to include and what not is somewhat arbitrary. For instance there is quite a long section on roses, but the English War of the Roses doesn't get a mention. The literature is mostly English, some American (perhaps because of the US publisher) and with a smattering of Caribbean, and Continental references, plus a little other, like Japanese. Presumably this is what the authors happened to be familiar with, but that's probably as good a ground for a selection as any. There is a famous Dutch novel (by Jan Siebelink) (sort of) about violets, which could have gone in that chapter, but I can hardly blame her for not knowing that. The book has something of the scope of the monumental Flora Britanica by Richard Mabey (which I'm proud to have contributed a few sentences to myself), but less systematic and more anecdotal.
In summary, for readers like myself with a particular interest in the topic; an interesting read.
Disclosure: My copy of the book was a free copy obtained in return for an honest review from NetGalley.
In summary, for readers like myself with a particular interest in the topic; an interesting read.
Disclosure: My copy of the book was a free copy obtained in return for an honest review from NetGalley.
hopef's review
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
A thoroughly enjoyable-if sometimes meandering-read.