Between the Lines - The Language of Flowers
October’s Pick - Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Language of Flowers
Thoughts
At first glance, it is difficult to imagine how a book about a foster child who ends up homeless could somehow become a story of love, hope, and redemption. In The Language of Flowers, we meet damaged and mistrustful Victoria Jones whose one special gift is communicating through the secret language of flowers. We discover that she learned the language of flowers as a 9 year old from a foster parent, Elizabeth, with whom she had the first real opportunity (and what would be the last opportunity) of finding family, maternal love and human connection as a foster child. The book moves back and forth from the present to the fateful year with Elizabeth as her painful secret is revealed, and the question "What is it like to try to love when you never have been loved?" looms large. Although, Victoria is not always likable, you cannot help loving her and rooting for her happiness and ultimately believing in second chances.
Overall
Recommend - a moving story about the power of love and forgiveness to heal the heart
P.S. What I learned about the meaning of flowers was extra-special, and I don't think I will look at flowers the same again. The author includes Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers in the book which I plan to reference for all future floral arranging.
P.P.S. Vanessa, a foster parent herself, along with partner, Isis Keigwin, launched a nonprofit organization, Camellia Nework, to provide support for young people transitioning out of foster care to adulthood. Camellia Network has since merged with Youth Villages and has been renamed LifeSet Network. Visit their website www.lifesetnetwork.org to find out how you can help.
Kathryn