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 )

wow

such sadness. made me greatful for what i have. loved it so much. will recommend.

Once I started, I couldn't stop

Beautifully narrated with great characterization, a story that draws you in and holds your interest right to the end.

Great book!

I enjoyed this book so much! It is well written, believable and clever. I'll never look at a flower the same again. The narrator did a wonderful job. I would recommend this to my older children as well as al those who enjoy a clean and thought provoking read!

This book was unique and interesting!

We picked this book for book club and was unsure how much I'd like it. I did enjoy it much more than expected. The narration was good and the story was good, so together I was able to breeze through this book.

Mesmerising

What did you love best about The Language of Flowers?

The book deals with real life issues associated with abandonment and it does not romanticise the protagonist. It is beautifully written and thought-provoking and explores the defensive nature of those who do not fully experience love or nurture in their childhood.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist follows the traditional formula of a hero but remains realistic.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reader was good but at times the voice had an irritating quality to it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description about the post pregnancy experience was incredibly realistic and uncomfortable.

Any additional comments?

This is definitely a good read.

The language of flowers

If you could sum up The Language of Flowers in three words, what would they be?

Not To finish

What other book might you compare The Language of Flowers to and why?

Memoirs of a Geisha because it has a feel-good ending, emotions, and a great protagonist!

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

No, but would like to listen to another one.

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

Yes, I recommend this book to everyone. I would listen to or read it again. It is also a very informative book on flowers, bushes etc.

Interesting overall.

Some concepts were hard for me to imagine
But overall I was anxious to find out how the story would end. I was happy with the outcome.

A Great Read

If you could sum up The Language of Flowers in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, Strong Characters, Desirable

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

The main character was the best and most well-developed character in the book. She held true throughout the story.

A Lovely Story

It kept me interested the entire time and it was real and heart warming. I would recommend it to anyone

the really did a wonderful job with the narration

the reader did a wonderful job narrating the story I totally loved it this is a must-read