The Language of Flowers

A Novel

By: Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Narrated by: Tara Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.

The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it's been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.

Now 18 and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what's been missing in her life, and when she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.

Praise for The Language of Flowers

"Instantly enchanting... [Diffenbaugh] is the best new writer of the year." (Elle)

“I would like to hand Vanessa Diffenbaugh a bouquet of bouvardia (enthusiasm), gladiolus (you pierce my heart) and lisianthus (appreciation). In this original and brilliant first novel, Diffenbaugh has united her fascination with the language of flowers - a long-forgotten and mysterious way of communication - with her firsthand knowledge of the travails of the foster-care system.... This novel is both enchanting and cruel, full of beauty and anger. Diffenbaugh is a talented writer and a mesmerizing storyteller. She includes a flower dictionary in case we want to use the language ourselves. And there is one more sprig I should add to her bouquet: a single pink carnation (I will never forget you).” (Washington Post)

"A fascinating debut... Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria." (O Magazine)

"Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love." (Entertainment Weekly)

©2011 Vanessa Diffenbaugh (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“As a foster care survivor, I feel a kinship with Victoria Jones as she battles loss and risk and her own thorny demons to find redemption. Vanessa Diffenbaugh has given us a deeply human character to root for, and a heart-wrenching story with insight and compassion to spare.” (Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife)

"The Language of Flowers is a primer for the language of love. Vanessa Diffenbaugh deftly gathers themes of maternal love, forgiveness and redemption in an unforgettable literary bouquet. Book clubs will swoon!" (Adriana Trigiani, author of Very Valentine and Don’t Sing at the Table)

“A deftly powerful story of finding your way home, even after you’ve burned every bridge behind you. The Language of Flowers took my heart apart, chapter by chapter, then reassembled the broken pieces in better working condition - I loved this book.” (Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet )

Very powerful.

I don’t usually write reviews but the story and performance at certain points had me right there with her. Some of Victoria’s trials were almost painfully realistic and moving

Better listen than read

Read the first page 4 times in the actual book and was instantly bored with plant names, but loved the story once I started listening on audible. The ending was kind of a rush tie up in my opinion, but overall still a good book.

good but......

I think this book is worth a listen. I loved the first part of this book but I think the second part was a little drawn out in certain aspects that slowed it down more then it should have.

Sweet story

A sweet story. I’m a florist and a doula so it was right up my alley.

I loved learning about the language of flowers!

Would you listen to The Language of Flowers again? Why?

I enjoyed the story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Renalta. Her character put a lot on perspective

What does Tara Sands bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The Victorian language of flowers. I have to look it up!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I got frustrated with Victoria...but then I realized I could not wrap my head around her due to her horrible childhood experiences.... The book really made me pause and think

Any additional comments?

Good book.

Slow starter...hang in there. It is worth it

loved the co-mingling of flowers into the story.

a heartwrenching story often frustrating because of misunderstandings and feelings of unworthiness. Very good story and character development.

very different in a great way

Not only did I love the story, as it was so unique and believable, the narration was fantastic!
Couldn't stop listening!

Gripping story of mistreated foster child

Could not put this book down. It kept me in suspense the whole time. Victoria suffered so many setbacks as a young child it is amazing to see how she develops and makes something of her life.

Great read

Great book. Very interesting and well written. this book sucks you in and doesn't let go.

Fragrant messages, sweet and not

A warm story whose characters are richly drawn and sympathetically engaging. There are no villains. A feel-good novel, predictable yet colored with new perspectives, endorsing hope. Worth the read.