Start reading The Language of Flowers on your Kindle in under a minute. Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here.

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

 
 
 

Try it free

Sample the beginning of this book for free

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

Read books on your computer or other mobile devices with our FREE Kindle Reading Apps.
The Language of Flowers
 
 
Share your own customer images

The Language of Flowers [Kindle Edition]

Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (258 customer reviews)
Print List Price: £7.99
Kindle Price: £2.99 includes VAT* & free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet
You Save: £5.00 (63%)
* Unlike print books, digital books are subject to VAT.

Formats

 Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition £2.99   -- --
Hardcover £8.70   -- --
Paperback £3.86   -- --
Audio, CD, Audiobook £26.22   -- --
Unknown Binding --   -- --
Audio Download, Unabridged £15.62 or Free with Audible.co.uk 30-day free trial

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Product Description

Review

"Instantly entrancing" --Elle

"[An] original and brilliant first novel . . . a mesmerizing storyteller . . . I would like to hand Vanessa Diffenbaugh a bouquet of bouvardia (enthusiasm), gladiolus (you pierce my heart) and lisianthus (appreciation). . . And there is one more sprig I should add to her bouquet: a single pink carnation (I will never forget you)." --Brigitte Weeks, The Washington Post

"A captivating novel in which a single sprig of rosemary speaks louder than words . . . 'The Language of Flowers' deftly weaves the sweetness of newfound love with the heartache of past mistakes . . . [It] will certainly change how you choose your next bouquet." --Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Fascinating . . . Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria." --The Oprah Magazine (Book of the Week)

"Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love." --Entertainment Weekly

"Compelling . . . immensely engaging . . . unabashedly romantic . . . an emotional arc of almost unbearable poignance."
--The Boston Globe

"Captivating"
--Woman & Home

Review

"Instantly entrancing."--"Elle"

"[An] original and brilliant first novel . . . a mesmerizing storyteller . . . I would like to hand Vanessa Diffenbaugh a bouquet of bouvardia (enthusiasm), gladiolus (you pierce my heart) and lisianthus (appreciation). . . . And there is one more sprig I should add to her bouquet: a single pink carnation (I will never forget you)."--Brigitte Weeks, "The Washington Post"
" "
"A captivating novel in which a single sprig of rosemary speaks louder than words . . . "The Language of Flowers" deftly weaves the sweetness of newfound love with the heartache of past mistakes. . . . [It] will certainly change how you choose your next bouquet."--Minneapolis" Star Tribune"

"Fascinating . . . Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria."--"O: The Oprah Magazine "(book of the week)

"Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love."--"Entertainment Weekly"
" "
"Compelling . . . immensely engaging . . . unabashedly romantic . . . an emotional arc of almost unbearable poignance.""--The Boston Globe"

See all Product Description

Product details

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 822 KB
  • Print Length: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Macmillan (18 Aug 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B005BOHYW2
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (258 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #804 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

    •  Would you like to give feedback on images?

More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Vanessa Diffenbaugh Page
Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?

› Explore similar items

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 54 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite 25 Sep 2011
By Angel TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
It was, I have to say, incredibly easy to fall in love with this book which was a haunting, intelligent and compelling read. The story starts with Victoria leaving the foster home where she has been living as she comes of age, and then goes back and forth in time as the strands are brought together so that we can understand how she got to be the person she is. During her turbulent life Victoria has learned the almost forgotten language of flowers, where every bloom expresses something different. As she finds work of sort with a florist she finds ways of expressing herself with flowers and the past will come back to her in a way she hasn't imagined. Will she find her place in the world and why does she struggle so much with the past? A strong story and interesting characters kept me turning the pages to find out.

Victoria was not an easy character to understand at times - I wondered if the author had drawn on her own life experiences to show someone afflicted with what seemed to be a form of attachment disorder. Some of the parts of the book were almost painful to read but throughout everything I wanted things to work out for Victoria. The author managed to conjure up a whole cast of believable and sympathetic characters along the way - from Renata the flower shop owner to Grant the strangely familiar market stall holder, and the book was well paced and beautifully written. I enjoyed every single page of this book (including the flower dictionary at the end of the book); having read glowing reviews before I read it I was somewhat worried it would disappoint - it didn't. Highly recommended this is an excellent debut from an author from whom I would like to see more.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
35 of 38 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars an original story of a troubled teen:thistle is for misanthropy 29 Sep 2011
By elsie purdon TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
A very unusual novel set in modern day Northern California. This took me by surprise as I had (stupidly) thought the book to be either a non fiction book on the language of flowers, or some kind of historical romantic tale.
Fortunately for me it is not.

This is the story of Victoria a young girl who has lived her life in the Californian state care system. Either being fostered or put into girl only care homes. She has been moved around a lot of times and is a very angry and isolated young person.
The book has two time lines, in the first we meet Victoria about to be emancipated from the system and has to leave the care home. She is 18 or thereabouts. Her exact birth date not known.
When she leaves the home she will be moved into a halfway hostel and is expected to find a job and pay her way. There doesn't seem to ever be any kind of practical guidance given to her from her social worker Meredith, who has been a constant though unloving and very disliked presence in Victoria's life.

In the other time line we are moving along her childhood towards the event that will define the rest of her life. When she was age 9 Victoria was delivered by Meredith to Elizabeth, a woman who lives on her own in her own vineyard. She has family nearby but is not in contact with them. This is integral to the story as it unfolds.

It is Elizabeth that teaches Victoria the language of flowers.

The writing is clear and precise just how I like it.
I found validity in the story from reading the author's background which includes her teaching art and writing to youths in low income communities.

Although the novel is about people in trouble it is also about people trying harder to communicate clearly.... Read more ›
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
66 of 75 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The meaning of flowers, love, motherhood and forgiveness. 10 July 2011
By Brida TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
Before coming to this book, I had an interest in the Victorian language of flowers - I have two beautiful Victorian books on the subject already. I was intrigued to find out how an author would use this folklore to develop and add to a story. I was also expecting the story to be a little bit like Joanne Harris's CHOCOLAT, only with flowers instead of chocolates. What I discovered with THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS was something more.

The main character, Victoria, has grown up moving from one foster home to another. As a young girl, she is alone; angry at everyone and recoiling from the touch of others. Just before she turns ten, Victoria goes to live with Elizabeth and it is shut who teaches Victoria the language of flowers. Fast-forward to when Victoria turns eighteen, she is alone (again), with only her gift of floristry behind her. When a florist discovers the gift Victoria has, she not only offers her a job, but sets her onto a path which will culminate in her past catching up with her.

That is a very brief, vague outline of the plot. I don't want to give too much away with this novel. Diffenbaugh tackles a lot of themes - identity, love, family, motherhood and forgiveness to name a few. And throughout all of these, the Victorian language of flowers is used as a way for Victoria to express her emotions. Yet, even though the heart of this novel lies within the language and sentiment of flowers, there is nothing 'flowery' about this book. Diffenbaugh does not shy away from the darker side of human life and relationships - the selfishness of love, the fear of motherhood.

I really enjoyed this debut. I would recommend it to others and I will look at what Diffenbaugh has to offer next.... Read more ›
2 Comments | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?   Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A really good read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my sister has bought it upon my recommendation. I found the meanings behind the flowers interesting and would like to look into this some more. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Azura
2.0 out of 5 stars Quick and easy
Not an awful book but not particularly awe inspiring. It is a good book to read really fast and the story is easy to follow.
Published 7 days ago by Jennie Hartley
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The story drew you in straight away a must read if you love flowers
Published 7 days ago by Mrs. H. E. Birch
4.0 out of 5 stars the language of flowers
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were were fully developed and likeable. Although the ending was predictable it didn't spoil the book.
Published 8 days ago by 1Buffmother
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
I loved this book. I'm not sure it's a great title as I imagine it could put some people off. You don't have to be terribly into flowers to enjoy the strong story line. Read more
Published 9 days ago by CheltenhamGranny
4.0 out of 5 stars Made me think . . .
The young woman using flowers to communicate her feelings and thoughts, when she was unable to verbalise them, was very thought provoking. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Karen of Caerleon
5.0 out of 5 stars Un-put-down-able
I bought it because it was recommended by my grand-daughter. Could not lay it down. Wish I had to read it again!!
Published 12 days ago by FranG.
5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable read
A lovely book, really enjoyed it and would certainly recommend. Another fantastic free kindle book and definitely worth a read.
Published 13 days ago by Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars Periwinkle "tender recollections"
This story is captivating from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Read more
Published 17 days ago by …
5.0 out of 5 stars Really good read
This book totally grips you and takes you into an unknown world - for me anyway - but there are probably countless people out there who can totally relate to this.
Published 18 days ago by Mrs Linda M Kengen
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Popular Highlights

 (What's this?)
&quote;
rosemary, which means—” “Remembrance,” &quote;
Highlighted by 7 Kindle users
&quote;
“Lavender?” “Mistrust.” &quote;
Highlighted by 7 Kindle users
&quote;
Mistletoe. I surmount all obstacles. &quote;
Highlighted by 7 Kindle users

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
What to read next.....? 0 17 Apr 2012
› See all discussions...  
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Discussion Replies Latest Post
romance discussion forum
Looking for books like Slammed, Beautiful Disaster, Easy, 		9432 46 seconds ago
romance discussion forum
Cant seem to get into another book!!!! 		7859 18 minutes ago
fiction discussion forum
Nobody reads on the loo do they ? not really - and yet so many people have books in the loo ! 		20 40 minutes ago
fiction discussion forum
Come on - why don't we write our own book right here in the fiction forum ? I'll do the first sentence, and then jump in....hold on, here we go... 		7218 49 minutes ago
fiction discussion forum
Spend an erotic night of BDSM, Domination/submission, and exhibition with Jim and Kay this weekend.. 		53 52 minutes ago
romance discussion forum
Any romance books without a pathetic heroine? 		11 1 hour ago
fiction discussion forum
Self-published books: pain or gain? 		6130 2 hours ago
romance discussion forum
Can't find a book Title, Please help! 		2 3 hours ago
Search Customer Discussions
   
Related forums

Customers Who Highlighted This Item Also Highlighted

Back
Next

Look for similar items by category


There's a problem loading this menu at the moment.

Learn more about Amazon Prime.

    Your Shopping Basket is empty.

    Give it purpose -- fill it with books, DVDs, clothes, electronics and more.

    If you already have an account, sign in.

    There's a problem previewing your shopping basket at the moment.

    Check your Internet connection and go to your cart, or try again.

    View Shopping Basket (0 items)
      Amazon Media EU S.à r.l. Privacy Statement Amazon Media EU S.à r.l. Delivery Information Amazon Media EU S.à r.l. Returns & Exchanges