The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers
By Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Ballantine Books, 2011. 322 pages. Fiction.

Does anyone every really change? Can we forgive ourselves for the mistakes of our past? Is loving someone too much to risk? These are just a few of the questions brought up in this breathtaking debut novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Victoria Jones’s only passion is the old Victorian language of flowers which was used to express romantic feelings. But for Victoria she uses it to communicate her mistrust, solitude, and hate for the world. After a childhood spent mostly in state homes for girls, she is prickly and hates human touch.

Now at eighteen, Victoria is on her own. With no real education and no job experience, Victoria quickly finds herself homeless. In desperation, she seeks work at a local flower shop where she discovers a talent for helping others through the language of flowers. But when she unexpectedly meets someone from her past, Victoria is forced to confront what she has been running from for 8 years.

This book had everything I could ask for; a compelling story, beautiful language, heart-wrenching themes, and fascinating characters. I would highly recommend you pick up this book as soon as possible.

AJ