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The story takes place in San Francisco and centers on protagonist Victoria Jones. Victoria has grown up in the foster care system and has now become emancipated. Diffenbaugh slowly peels back the petals in Victoria’s present and past life, giving us a glimpse of the dynamics that make up this complicated young woman. Told in Victoria’s voice, we see her struggle to communicate with the world around her. It is through flowers that she is able to express herself. Yellow roses mean jealousy, winter cherry signifies deception, and starwort gives welcome.
As a young adult, Victoria finds employment at a flower shop, and using the language of flowers begins to communicate with others. News of her gift, spread and soon people are coming to her for flowers. She meets a young man, who patiently tries to communicate to her through flowers. Their romance is bittersweet and will not leave the reader untouched.
As we journey through Victoria’s past, we learn how she came to communicate with flowers. When she was ten years old, she was taken into the home of Elizabeth. Victoria suffering from a life spent in a myriad of foster homes and facilities is detached, doesn’t like to be touched and trusts no one. She fully expects Elizabeth to reject her. Elizabeth opens up her home and slowly shows her the meaning of love. She teaches Victoria the language of flowers. It is through flowers that Victoria begins to communicate and forms her first bond with another human.
As the tale weaves back and forth between the past and present, answers are slowly revealed as to why Victoria is on her own and no longer with Elizabeth. The story will captivate you, as you are swept up in this heart-breaking, truthful tale. Diffenbaugh brings voice to human tragedy, our failed foster-care system and the hearts ability to endure and overcome.
I highly recommend The Language of Flowers to everyone. The novel is beautifully written and the transition from past to present is seamless. I am adding Vanessa Diffenbaugh to my list of must read authors. This novel would be perfect for a book club and an excellent gift for the reader on your list.
I want to thank netGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.