Flowers from the Storm

By: Laura Kinsale

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

He's a duke. He's a mathematical genius. He can't talk and he's locked in a lunatic asylum. Only a modest Quaker girl can reach him, but when she helps him to escape, she's swept into his glittering aristocratic world, her life torn apart by his desperate attempt to save himself.

Laura Kinsale personally chose the exceptional talent of Nicholas Boulton to narrate her classic romance Flowers from the Storm - cited by readers of The Washington Post and Glamour magazine as "one of the greatest love stories of all time" - creating a fresh and unique work that brings all the power and intensity of the original to audio.

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Took forever to get through

This story is so drawn out, I contemplated dropping it at least 5 times. There are good moments but overall, it was difficult to keep my interest.

Soul Touching

This story takes you so far into the minds and hearts of characters facing traumatic, gut wrenching, life smothering conditions, situations and circumstances that it literally melds with the reader. This is my second time listening in 3 years and I’ll still need time to decompress after the final word.

A stroke of genius; pun intended

"Flowers From The Storm" presents a compelling and unique twist on the historical romance genre. At its core, the novel delves into the journey of Christian Langland, the Duke of Jervaulx, who, while also being one of the typical dashing heros of the genre, faces the challenge of physical and mental recovery after suffering a life-changing event.

While it is never mentioned by name in the novel, readers will immediately deduct the duke's symptoms as that of a person who has suffered a stroke. From the partial paralisis to the disjointed speech patterns and thoughts. Kinsale's portrayal of his struggles and triumphs is both moving and insightful, offering a refreshing perspective on love and resilience.

The duke's character is well-written, his vulnerability and strength drawing readers into his journey with empathy and shared frustration on his part. Kinsale's attention to detail and authenticity in depicting the effects of the stroke add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.

However, while the hero shines, the main heroine may leave readers feeling conflicted. While her actions and motivations drive the plot forward, some may find her character to be less sympathetic or relatable, bordering on insufferable at times. Including myself.

It's worth noting that while some readers may not resonate with the religious Quaker elements woven into the story, it's ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, potential readers should be aware that "Flowers From The Storm" does venture into darker territory, exploring themes of physical and mental abuse, as well as medical isolation. These moments may not be to everyone's taste.

"Flowers From The Storm" a compelling and memorable read for those willing to embark on its emotional journey.

Stupid title.

I agree with a number of reviewers. This is a stupid title. No clue what it has to do with the story. Anyway, I'm not exactly sure what to say about those book. It is kind of disjointed and it takes concentration to comprehend. The narration is fantastic; I kept listening because of the great narration. I gave it a 4 because it is a good book but it's difficult to explain. This might be a book I need to listen to twice in order to take it all in.

Exquisite in every way!

The most famous of Laura Kinsale's novels, Flowers From the Storm certainly lives up to the hype and more! This is my second time to hear the book, and I enjoyed it so much more this time.
The story is compelling and beautiful. A different type of love story, as is most of Kinsale's work. The narrator is amazing, and brings the characters to life.
The story revolves around a plain Quaker girl and the mad worldly Duke she rescues from insanity. It's incredibly touching and never boring. Both characters grow and learn from their relationship. It's a breathtaking book from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to romance and historical fiction fans!

Excellent Use of a Credit!!!!

This is just the second Laura Kinsale book I have listened to and I have to say I am really enjoying them. The story is gripping and I could not stop listening. The story line is a nice change of pace from typical historical novels and at first I was not sure that I was going to be interested in a love story between a Quaker and an ill duke, but it works well. The writing is superb, so all in all, 18+ hours well spent.

One of the best audio books ever

Cannot express how amazing this book is. Would give it 10 stars if possible. Something about the combination of the amazing story, and the incredible talent of this narrator, makes this the best audio I've ever listened to. And I have well over 100 and counting in my audio library. This story line is so unique, has many characteristics that separate it from typical romance novels. But what brought it to life was the narration. As a nurse, the descriptions and voice of the male lead are just so real, so accurate. Makes you feel like you are experiencing all these things yourself. Can't wait for others from this author. I have all the other three that are out on audio. While they are all good, this is still the best!

Best Book EVER!

What made the experience of listening to Flowers from the Storm the most enjoyable?

As an avid reader (and listener), I consume about 3 books a week between listening while traveling, and reading actual paper. So, when I say this is the BEST BOOK EVER, I am not giving light praise! The story line was unique, well researched, and absolutely riveting--I couldn't wait to get in my car again to hear more. The narrator was one of the best I've heard--you could easily tell what character was speaking; he did an amazing job of differentiating accents and genders.
I expected an historical romance when I chose this book, but I would be hard-pressed to categorize this book as such . . . it was historical, yes, and a romance, BUT it was also dramatic, a bit of a mystery, a cliff-hanger, and most definitely thought provoking (what WOULD it have been like to be confined to an asylum in the 1800s, and how much of what we currently know about medicine today will ultimately be antiquated a hundred years from now, making us think of our current practices as monstrous?!)
I have been on a mission since finishing this book of finding all of Kinsale's works. If all are as good as this one, she has a new lifetime fan!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Duke, Christian . . . normally, it would have been the heroine of the story, Maddie, but his character was so very compelling. One was literally inside his head!

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

One of the best narrators I've ever had the pleasure of listening to . . . did a fantastic job of differentiating between characters, accents, genders--unless I was actively trying to remember that it was just one narrator, I could easily have believed I was listening to a number of actors.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Wow, I would LOVE to see this made into a movie! OK, here's my stab at a tag line:

"A Duke, a Quaker girl, and an insane asylum . . . any questions?"

Any additional comments?

I'm telling everyone I know about this book and author. I can't believe I've never read her before! Best Kept Secret!

Maddening Maddy

I've read three of Laura Kinsale's books and each one is a treasure. The story is wonderful and consistent with her damaged hero and naïve heroine, much like those of the Bronte sisters. However, the heroine "Maddy Girl" was really irritating at times. Her constant worry over how she would be perceived by her Quaker "friends" was at odds with her love and concern for her husband who needed her far more than those supposed "friends". The book was a little overlong, but well worth it. While this seems to be a favorite of most readers, it was not mine. So far, the Shadow and the Star is my favorite, but that may change as I read more of her books.

Stayed On Pins & Needles

If you could sum up Flowers from the Storm in three words, what would they be?

Sad, Exciting & Wonderful,

Who was your favorite character and why?

Maddie (?), she stayed in such turmoil with herself regarding her stand as a Quaker and her love for Christian.

What about Nicholas Boulton’s performance did you like?

Absolutely fabulous. I could listen to him all day.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but it was so long, I had to break it up.

Any additional comments?

At times I couldn't tell if Christian was just using Maddie or he loved her. It really took me into the mind of someone who had a stroke. Christian was so frustrated when the words he was thinking he could not speak. I have a sister who recently had a stroke and she is having a hard time speaking. Her speech and response to questions is delayed.I appreciated Christian's friends being there for him. His friends' love and the love of Maddie is what helped Christian get better. Isn't that what we all need.