The Language of Flowers
A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
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Pub Date Aug 23 2011 | Archive Date Sep 01 2012
Random House Publishing Group | Ballantine Books
Description
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 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 eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger 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.
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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
Advance Praise
"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
"Fans of Janet Fitch's White Oleander will enjoy this solid and well-written debut, which is also certain to be a hit with book clubs." -Library Journal (starred review)
"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
"This heartbreaking debut novel about mothers and daughters, love, and the secret significance of flowers had me weeping with emotion and wonder. Victoria Jones is an unforgettable heroine and you will never look at flowers the same way again."-Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key
"Is it really possible that this is Vanessa Diffenbaugh's first novel? I can hardly believe a debut writer can bring this much insight and polish to a story. What an achievement!"-Kelly Corrigan, author of The Middle Place
"The Language of Flowers gives us new definitions of human compassion in all its forms. Bouquets of laurel and trumpet vine await this beautifully arranged story!"-Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
"This hope-soaked, glorious book speaks to every once-broken, cracked, or poorly mended heart about the risks we take to heal, to be fully human, to truly connect. An astonishingly assured debut."-Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama
"Devastating,hopeful, and beautifully written-The Language of Flowers is a testament to the tender mercies and miraculous healing power of love."-Beth Hoffman,author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
"Enchanting, ennobling, and powerfully engaging, Diffenbaugh's artfully accomplished debut novel lends poignant testimony to the multitude of mysteries held in the human heart."-Booklist (starred review)
"Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love."--Entertainment Weekly
"We couldn't put it down."--Good Housekeeping
"(T)he first-time novelist and real-life foster mother masterfully mixes sweet and tart to create a story that is devastating, yes, and hopeful, but also surprisingly, satisfyingly real."-Redbook
"Vanessa Diffenbaugh delivers a first-class, literary forget-me-not."--King Features Syndicate
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780345525567 |
| PRICE | $13.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Average rating from 4 members
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General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
