The power of the flower is strong, indeed! In an interview included at the end of the novel, author Vanessa Diffenbaugh relates the findings from a Rutgers University study that proves flowers increase feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction. Research from Harvard found that people feel less anxious and more compassionate when surrounded by flowers. I don’t think any of these findings are particularly surprising, but my question is, did you find enjoyment and satisfaction from reading about these lovely flowers and the magic they hold within their petals? I know I did. The Language of Flowers has been one of my favorite reads in a long time and I most definitely have a new appreciation for all that grows in my garden. What was your experience like? What discoveries and realizations did you make while reading the novel? Below are some questions to spark a discussion…so leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
photo by Leah Bergman
1. How did you feel about Victoria as a character? Did her resistance to love and happiness frustrate you or did you feel like you understood her complexity?
2. The book alternates between chapters that are set in the past and the present. How do you feel about this type of structure?
3. Some of the novel’s themes include love, family, forgiveness, and second chances. Which stood out as being key to you? What lessons were you able to gather from it?
4. Immense challenges and overwhelming emotions arise when Victoria has her baby. How does becoming a mother ultimately change Victoria?
5. Did the novel open your eyes to some of the realities of the foster care system? How?
Note: Check out Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s non-profit organization, Camellia Network, that supports young people transitioning out of the foster care system. It’s quite compelling and such a beautiful cause.
6. Did you investigate the meanings of some of your favorite flowers? Were you disappointed to find out the negative definitions of some of the most lovely? If you created a bouquet, what would it “say” and to whom would you give it?
You still have time to finish up the novel before the next one is announced next week! So enjoy these last warm days of early fall and prepare to cozy up with our thrilling pick for October.
Kaylan K says
Overall I enjoyed the read - it was a nice change from my normal book routine. The story as a whole seemed a little too unrealistic to me, which caused me to roll my eyes a few times while reading it. However, I did like the character development and all the knowledge on flowers and what they mean. I had never really thought of flowers in that way before (except for roses) so it also gave me a new appreciation for what I give to friends and family. It's a perfect read with a cup of tea for a rainy Saturday morning.
Leah Bergman says
You are so right, it's the perfect read on a Saturday morning. Very light and easy to get through. I do agree that some parts were a little unrealistic but for the most part I found it an entertaining story line. I personally found myself getting so frustrated with Victoria however! In the end, I really enjoyed the story and of course the flowers!
Amy Dempsey says
I must say the details of Victoria's struggle after she has her baby scared the applesauce out of me! Although I still have some serious baby fever, these scenes reminded me that it's not going to be a piece of cake and serious exhaustion is a given, especially during those first few months.
Leah Bergman says
You and me both! My baby fever is just plain out of control. Scare tactics have no effect on me. lol
Josie says
I really liked the book. The end was hard to read when Victoria would not ask for help and kept leaving the baby. I felt like the ending would be happier but I liked it anyway. I think the moral of the story is forgiveness of both yourself and of others.
Amy Dempsey says
Yes, I was so shocked that she kept leaving the baby! But I suppose you're right - it's all about forgiveness. And it's funny how it can actually be easier to forgive someone else than it is to forgive yourself. That's probably something we can all work on!