Saturday

The Language of Flowers

A fellow classmate of mine told my class about the premier novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh called, The Language of Flowers".  I chose it as my book club pick for our January meeting, and just finished it today.

Set in San Francisco, The Language of Flowers is a  beautifully woven story of a girl, Victoria, who has been in the foster care system from birth.  At the age of nine she is sent to yet another home, but this time she is introduced to the world of flowers and the meaning behind each bloom.

The parts I loved the most about the book were the references to the San Francisco Flower Mart and the idea of using flowers not for their looks but for their meanings.  In the book, a woman who is unhappy in her marriage is given a bouquet of Jonquil to take home and its meaning, domestic happiness, changes her marriage.  A lonely woman looking for love is given red roses (love) and lilac (the first emotions of love) and realizes the man of her dreams is right in front of her.

The novel was inspired by the authors own experience with foster care children and a Victorian floral dictionary.  It turns out, the "Language of Flowers" got its start in the Victorian era.  When flowers were given to a young lady, usually by an admirer or friend, it was a secret message.  A secret tryst, or an exclamation of love or telling someone how you loathe them was sent in a simple, beautiful bouquet of flowers.

After doing some research, I've been inspired to post weekly on flowers and their hidden meanings, starting in January.  I will also include the time of year they are readily available, in case you ever want to use them for your special event.

Until then, I highly suggest you go out and get a copy of this book.  You will be in for a special treat!

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