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 )

Beautiful Story

The author's words (and the narrator's tone) elicited a cadre of emotions. I absolutely could not wait to finish this book! When I did, I was sad and wanted more of the story.

A refreshing original story.

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I really cannot. This story had it all...broken characters, a little bit of mystery, love, loss, laughter...and a very original plot line. I really just loved everything about it.

Without giving everything away this book is about how to people with broken pasts learn to communicate using flower, and through this shared communication learn to let go of their past and find a future.

Not a fan of the main character

This is a beautiful story about a mother's love and forgiveness.

The description of the flower's meanings was interesting.

That said, the main character is a sulky, ungrateful, irresponsible teen who manages to sabotage her own life at every turn. I kept wanting to like the main character, but I didn't. It made it difficult to listen to and appreciate the story.

I still liked that the story ended on a positive note.

Emotional Story

Where does The Language of Flowers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I haven't listened to many books yet but find I either love or hate them, none in between.

Which character – as performed by Tara Sands – was your favorite?

This is a tough one. At this moment I like Grant the best.

If you could take any character from The Language of Flowers out to dinner, who would it be and why?

It would be Elizabeth. She's full of knowledge, soft-spoken, and kind.

Couldn't put it down

Heartwrenching. I never wanted the story to end! Couldn't put it down. Victoria will be a part of my heart forever now ♡♡

Love or Hate Victoria

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

Amazing insight into growing up, basically on your own. Along with getting the voice right for Victoria.

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

The gathering of moss for the crib and where Victoria goes with ...(don't want to give it away)

Have you listened to any of Tara Sands’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, have not listened to Ms. Sands, but enjoyed her Victoria voice, very believable.

Who was the most memorable character of The Language of Flowers and why?

Elizabeth, because like many a mother, she wasn't perfect.

Beautiful

I loved this story and I loved learning about the flowers along the way. A beautiful tale of motherhood and love.

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.

Too much detail

I found myself totally taken up by this story . I really liked the idea of a "language of flowers_- that each flower has a special meaning that can effect one's being.
I found Victoria's story very very sad and extremely touching
.However the story in all was not credible, never ended , just went on and on.... leaving no place for the reader's imagination on the characters outcome.
An easy read, with some thought provoking insights, but not more than that.