Floral Estrangements by Rebecca Fishbein is such a unique read. The way she explains how different flowers represent different emotions is so clever and hilarious, but still very educational. This is not your normal floral arrangement instruction book; it is perfect for anyone who has a dark side but still loves flowers and floral arrangements. It almost makes me want to send a nice arrangement to an ex! I couldn’t put it down and I know I’ll be revisiting it again and again. It really does have some beautiful arrangements in it, and I’ve practiced some with faux flowers from the craft store. Highly recommend! Thank you to Chronicle and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Very fun book about how to throw shade with flowers. I really like the images of the flowers and the selection of bouquets in the back that give you ideas on what to use when you really want to say something mean.

Victorian Spins: Symbolic Meanings of Flowers

The subtle art of carefully crafting a snub via flowers. This book had me in fits of laughter. “Thanks to this book, next time someone wrongs you, they’ll get what they deserve: a tasteful arrangement, with a dash of spite.”

The illustrations (floriography) of the flowers and bouquets were gorgeous and inspiring. Jill De Hann really married the imagery throughout to the tone of the text.

The book aesthetics would be especially wonderful in the fall, for Valentine’s Day and universally year round. A perfect addition for yourself or loved one that loves an undertone with intentions. A coffee table conversation book to generate endless stories and conversations.

I received a free copy of this book from Rebecca Fishbein and Chronicle Books. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

This is a perfect gift for that friend who has a sardonic sense of humor but who is your perfect partner and crime. This books takes the tradition, and reemerging, fad of Victorian Floral Language and puts it on its ear by focusing on the less well known tradition of sending notes in flowers that flips the script on I Love you.

This is a beautiful coffee table edition. It begins with A glossary and full color portrait of each flower by itself before drawing flowers together in messaged bouquets that discuss how the flowers interact and showcase the complete bouquet.

For fan of Ghosts think what would Lady Button (UK) or Hefty Woodstone (US) send a note in.

This book was very informative and I really learned a lot. The production quality and layout were both great and it inspired me to learn even more about the subject.

This was a fun book that made me laugh. There are illustrations of each flower and bouquet throughout the book that are beautifully done. This book taught me about the bad meanings of flowers which I didn't know before. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Rebecca Fishbein, Chronicle Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun read. The increased interest in Floriography of the past couple of years it was nice to have something that could add a little snark to that world. I also appreciated the inclusion of references about where the information came from. Ive read a book where the main character was very intentional in her floral arrangements and some did include some subliminal undertones. I can't help but think that character would have loved this book.

This is a fun, modern take on the language of flowers. Trying to send a subtly insulting message in a bouquet? This is the book for you. The author suggests many combinations of flowers that apply to modern situations. If the illustrations in the print edition are as good as the ebook version, it should be a handsome book. Will be of interest to people fascinated with Victoriana, or floriography, and to the steampunk community.

Floral Estrangements is a guide to the not-so-nice significance of flowers. From arrangements that curse your enemies to how to tell someone you don't like them, this explains what certain floral combinations mean.

If you've ever wanted to weaponize flowers (in the most elegant way, of course), Flowers for When You Love Them…Not is your ultimate guide to floral shade-throwing. This cheeky take on Victorian floriography revives the art of saying “I’m over you” with the perfect bouquet—no words needed.

Packed with hilariously specific arrangements like the “Maybe You Shouldn’t Have Given Me Your Phone Password” bouquet or the “His Mommy Issues Are Now Your Problem” ensemble, this book offers a deliciously petty twist on flower symbolism. The gorgeous yet subtly hostile illustrations make it feel equal parts classy and cutting.

Whether you’re scheming for a nemesis or just enjoying the dark humor, this guide is wicked fun and unapologetically savage. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who prefers their revenge to come in fragrant, passive-aggressive form—or for yourself, because sometimes you just need to know which flower says, “Still mad about that bridesmaid dress.”

Forget roses; this book is proof that flowers are the ultimate clapback. 🌼

I'm giving this book 3.5 stars because it's creative, different and snarky, but it's just not my jam.....

The first half of this colorfully illustrated guide provides a brief description of common flowers along with their scientific names and a woefully biting description of each. The second half of the book recommends brilliantly coined bouquets to send to the worst of the worst in your life, a veritable f* you, for nearly every occasion.

This book was a riot of color and silly scenarios, and got several laughs out of me. The tone of the text felt like that snarky friend who always has the latest tea and entertains all of your deepest, darkest, never-to-actually-be-acted-upon revenge scenarios about your latest nemesis. By the end of the 200 pages I still hadn’t decided if it was the perfect pairing or an odd choice with the richly painted floral illustrations, many of the leaves dripping tear-like water drops. I enjoyed reading through the floriography portion of “bad” and “sad” meanings, and the bouquet suggestions were funny, though I can’t see myself taking the time and spending money to actually deliver them to the intended recipient.

My favorite parts were the two-page spread bouquet illustrations, and I could see myself leaving one spread open on the coffee table as a joke for a roommate or partner to discover. I’d be happy to receive this book as a gift, but I wouldn’t buy it for myself.

I received a free digital review copy via NetGalley.

for a floral illustrator, look at Jill De Haan.

Rebecca Fishbein puts one flower on two pages - one a drawing, one a small amount of text highlighting the negative side of the language of flowers. Then at the end she suggests some groupings for bouquets to send to people and institutions and your cat when they have done you wrong. OK fine. Nice art.

Floral estrangement by Rebecca Fiahbein is a hilarious and informational guide on how to tell people off with the symbolism of flowers. Most people want to give flowers to those they love, but what about flowers for those they hate? This book will entrust you with all you need to know, and it does so wonderfully.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

This is one of my favorite books on plants that I’ve found, not only is it comical, but the illustrations are also beautiful.

This book is 100% being added to my forever library. I’ve loved the idea of flowers having meaning (mostly from all the books I’ve read that described it!) but having passive aggressive meanings too?! And great illustrations? Yessss. I loved it all!

A charming guide to flower language with a twist that will delight anyone with a wicked sense of humor. I'd also recommend this to historical mystery writers; this should be a handy reference for some coded foreshadowing. I loved that the book included not just a compendium of flowers and other plants and their less-than-altruistic meanings, but also put together bouquets cleverly combining them into more nuanced messages. Altogether a fun book!

I ADORED this book! I had no idea that flowers had a language all their own, but this book gives a fascinating deep dive into the world of flowers, what they mean, and the messages that can be sent.

This was a really interesting book all about symbolic floral 'estrangements.' It had fun, readable text with lots of fun imagery. I really loved the art style of this book. It is divided into two sections - floriography - information on each flower; and bouquets - information on how to put together fun 'estrangements.' Would recommend to anyone interesting in symbolism, floral arrangements, and gardening/flowers in general. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

First of all, stunning cover. I loved that the glossary of flowers was in the beginning and had pictures! All of the illustrations were beautiful done! I'm obsessed with this!! Floral "Estrangements" and it delivered!!!!