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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Grief, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment
My only comment is that I really don't think that Ms. Diffenbaugh has spent any quality time with very young children...
“It wasn't as if the flowers themselves held within them the ability to bring an abstract definition into physical reality. Instead, it seemed that...expecting change, and the very belief in the possibility instigated a transformation.”
― Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Language of Flowers
― Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Language of Flowers
I have not been engrossed with a book like this in a long time. I couldn't put it down. It was wonderful.
Most definitely 4.5 stars for this book - I just loved it. It broke my heart at times, frustrated me at times, but I could not put it down. I couldn't wait to finish it as I needed to know how it ended, but now I feel like I need to go back and read it again to truly absorb it all. Highly recommend.
I started off really loving this story and the characters in it. The first half of the book is 4 stars. But as the book progresses the plot line begins to strain the bounds of believability. Diffenbaugh based the character of Victoria on a foster child that she knew with attachment disorder. This story is clearly what Diffenbaugh hopes that child's life turned out like, but it isn't realistic. The story is too determined to give readers the HEA rather than confront the harsh realities of life after foster care system. Attachment disorder, or any disorder for that matter, isn't something that magically goes away just by willing yourself to change. It's a 2 star ending.
This is a book club book if ever I read one. And not that this is a negative pronouncement, just that it’s generically going to appeal to a wide audience, mostly middle aged women.
I’m glad I listened to the audio. Victoria is not an easy character to like. Her situation is difficult and reviewers are rather harsh on her inability to love. And while not having grown up “in the system”, being abandoned by your biological mother, no matter how much you’re loved afterwards, leaves an indelible wound on your soul. Some are able to move past it, but for most, we carry it around with us in unsurprising ways. As for Victoria, I believe this is one of the truest characterizations of life in the foster system as I’ve ever read and she is more typical than we want to believe. If you don’t like her, that’s fine. She’s not very likeable. But know that she is just a fictional character that can be placed back on a shelf, whereas there are thousands of children just like her ageing out of a broken, heartless system.
But I’m glad I listened to the audio because I think I was able to see Victoria more as a human than a character. I think bad I read this, I’d have been too annoyed by her faults than by her story.
Also, love your mom, even if she’s broken. She’s doing the best she can with what she’s got.
I’m glad I listened to the audio. Victoria is not an easy character to like. Her situation is difficult and reviewers are rather harsh on her inability to love. And while not having grown up “in the system”, being abandoned by your biological mother, no matter how much you’re loved afterwards, leaves an indelible wound on your soul. Some are able to move past it, but for most, we carry it around with us in unsurprising ways. As for Victoria, I believe this is one of the truest characterizations of life in the foster system as I’ve ever read and she is more typical than we want to believe. If you don’t like her, that’s fine. She’s not very likeable. But know that she is just a fictional character that can be placed back on a shelf, whereas there are thousands of children just like her ageing out of a broken, heartless system.
But I’m glad I listened to the audio because I think I was able to see Victoria more as a human than a character. I think bad I read this, I’d have been too annoyed by her faults than by her story.
Also, love your mom, even if she’s broken. She’s doing the best she can with what she’s got.
Had a feeling I’d really like this one, and I did. I loved the settings of San Francisco, Floral Shops, and Vineyards. I loved Elizabeth and Victoria’s relationship, and her friendship with Renata and Mama Ruby. They knew how to give her what she needed without pushing, they met her where she was at. I also loved learning the language of flowers, and the meanings behind each one. I know I will be referencing that list in the back of the book in the future!
At many points I just wanted to shake Victoria and tell her to make the right decision! Her self destructive tendencies were frustrating at times, until you remembered she was only 19 or 20. I really wish we would’ve had an epilogue. I wanted more of these characters! I wanted to see them successfully running his farm and her florist business, and maybe even publishing her floral book, while she rebuilt her relationship with Elizabeth. Plus I would’ve loved some closure on Mama Ruby, Renata’s floral business, or her sister’s band. I guess that is just for us to imagine.
At many points I just wanted to shake Victoria and tell her to make the right decision! Her self destructive tendencies were frustrating at times, until you remembered she was only 19 or 20. I really wish we would’ve had an epilogue. I wanted more of these characters! I wanted to see them successfully running his farm and her florist business, and maybe even publishing her floral book, while she rebuilt her relationship with Elizabeth. Plus I would’ve loved some closure on Mama Ruby, Renata’s floral business, or her sister’s band. I guess that is just for us to imagine.
Ok, I read this while I was sick, which probably made me a little more sentimental/weepy than usual. Still, a lovely depiction of relationships and mothers.