The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was a recommendation from a friend whose mother had just finished the book; she said that it was "pretty good". Since the book was already in my cue, I decided I would read it and make my own choices about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The relationships that are explored in this book are plentiful and come from many different angles and characters---maternal love, the love of a child, self love, love between a man and a woman, friendship, etc. It really covers it all.
The story is about a girl, Victoria, and switches back between her as a ten year old child, in the foster care system, her finding a 'mother' who loves her and teaches her the language of flowers, her anger, and her fear of rejection and Victoria's present day, eighteen year old self, now emancipated from the system and living on her own. She finds refuge in flowers, and the language in which they speak (yellow roses for jealousy, baby's breath for endless love, etc.). However, haunted by her raging emotions and distrust for both herself and the love that others gives her, Victoria is constantly pushing people away because she is convinced she is not worthy of their love. The book follows her current and past journey that made her the way she is and how she attempts to overcomes her fears and finally accepts the love and success she deserves---all with the help of flowers.
So while I heard that this book was "pretty good", I'm saying it's really good; the transitions between time periods is done well (although sometimes it is a little confusing within the first few sentences to decide what time we are in, but for the most part it follows an every other chapter system until the last few chapters). The character of Victoria is developed well. Most of the other characters are also well developed, however there are sometimes gaps where questions arise and the readers wishes there was a little more back story or a little stronger character influence and personality.
The story is about a girl, Victoria, and switches back between her as a ten year old child, in the foster care system, her finding a 'mother' who loves her and teaches her the language of flowers, her anger, and her fear of rejection and Victoria's present day, eighteen year old self, now emancipated from the system and living on her own. She finds refuge in flowers, and the language in which they speak (yellow roses for jealousy, baby's breath for endless love, etc.). However, haunted by her raging emotions and distrust for both herself and the love that others gives her, Victoria is constantly pushing people away because she is convinced she is not worthy of their love. The book follows her current and past journey that made her the way she is and how she attempts to overcomes her fears and finally accepts the love and success she deserves---all with the help of flowers.
So while I heard that this book was "pretty good", I'm saying it's really good; the transitions between time periods is done well (although sometimes it is a little confusing within the first few sentences to decide what time we are in, but for the most part it follows an every other chapter system until the last few chapters). The character of Victoria is developed well. Most of the other characters are also well developed, however there are sometimes gaps where questions arise and the readers wishes there was a little more back story or a little stronger character influence and personality.