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 )

Touching and beautiful

A book more men should read. A book I never would have read if my girlfriend hadn’t asked me too. Fully realized characters written by someone who has a long history of experience with foster children. A book that asks the question: Can love overcome trauma? It’s far more complex than a simple yes or no. Also, heartbreaking and strangely inspiring...seriously considering getting involved in foster care

Decent , give it a try

I enjoyed the story overall, but toward the last quarter of the book I got bored with the drawn out chapters about a particular milestone event which I will not spoil here.
The reader did a good job of changing up the voices and her voice was pleasant to listen to.
I worked at a florist in high school and could relate to the characters making arrangements for weddings.

Highly recommended!

Great story. This sat in my library for quite some time before I listened to it. Should’ve listen to it ages ago!!. Couldn’t turn it off. Tara Sands did a great job

Flower can communicate sooo many meanings

For me, one mark of a great book is that once you start reading it, you just can't put it down until you've read the last word. This was one of those books for me. Having read reviews that this was about a foster child , I was hooked on reading it. Yes, this was a great read about a foster child--- difficult situations, system failures, foster families in it for the wrong reasons; and perhaps most importantly---the emotionaly difficult time foster kids often have in trusting love and commitment. But more interesting yet, this was one of those books that I did not feel like I'd read dozens of times before. If foster children are NOT your thing, be assured you'll thoroughly enjoy the writing and story line anyway. The characters were very well developed, and I found myself cheering on for at least eight different people throughout the story. Then again, Victoria and Grant will not leave your heart for a very long time. Anyone reading my reviews will know I'm a champion of survivors! This book creates survivors from some horrible situations in very fascinating and believable ways!!! LOVED EVERY WORD! Looking forward to many more great reads by Vanessa Diffenbaugh!!

Enjoyable.

What made the experience of listening to The Language of Flowers the most enjoyable?

The author made of a rather common topic a very enjoyable reading experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Language of Flowers?

The reunion of Elizabeth and Victoria after many years of absence from each other's life.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not a particular one.

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

Cry at times, but for the most part, wonder over the possibilities of events such as those described may occur.

Any additional comments?

The book is not a master-piece, but in keeping with today's writing trends, I think this is better than many. I wished the narrator had more dynamic and more interest in better reding, though I could tolerate her, at times< monotone style.

Couldn’t stop listening!

A wonderful heartfelt story about a girl in the foster system who never felt love until she learned about flowers and their healing powers. She struggled into adulthood but grew stronger as a young adult in her own flower business. A story deep with emotion and one that will touch your heart.

Loved it

I loved it all! Everything about it was wonderful! The way it was read and the everything.

makes me want to create my own flower dictionary

finished this one in two days. great story and kept me riveted and made me want to go out and research all the meanings of flowers and create my own book. if only i had all the time in the world!

You don't need a green thumb to enjoy this one

In this moving debut, deftly narrated by Tara Sands, Victoria emerges from a foster-care system that hasn’t treated her well. She came close to finding a home with her beloved Elizabeth, but her inability to trust led to disaster. Now 18, and on her own, Victoria finds the only way to communicate – and possibly find happiness – is through the flowers she loves and the gift she has in choosing them for others. While this isn't a book I'd listen to again and again, I did enjoy it and found it quietly powerful.

Unexpectedly Good

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the perspective into people's lives that this book provided. It made me see the world in a different light and try to understand the people around me more.