The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 The language of flowers is a Victorian concept but used here by a thoroughly modern Victoria. She was abandoned as a baby and has been in and out of foster homes and orphanages. The only ‘mother’ who loved her despite her prickly personality and deliberately hateful behaviour, has taught her about flowers. It is the only way she can communicate comfortably –mostly using plants like thistle (misanthropy) and peony (anger) to express her unhappiness with her world.

Homeless at 18, her love for plants leads to part-time work with a florist and the beginning of change in her circumstances and attitudes.

This is a wonderful book – easy to read and lingering in one’s mind.

 

Jenny Strickland