The Language of Flowers

I recently read the highly acclaimed The Language of Flowers during my flight to Sweden (it’s amazing what you can accomplish in 8 hours!). In her debut novel, Vanessa Diffenbaugh has created a very real (although not very likable) protagonist, Victoria, who has faced unimaginable heartbreak after spending almost her entire life in foster care. After finally being released from the system on her 18th birthday, Victoria begins a new life working at a flower shop, where she herself begins to blossom. The story toggles between Victoria’s present life and various childhood events and relationships, many of which were painful to read, that help the reader clearly understand just why Victoria is the way she is.

While I don't want to reveal too much about the plot, I must confess that the closer I got to the ending, the less certain I was about how much I liked what I was reading. Sure, this book will draw you in — Diffenbaugh is a gifted story teller. But, if you’re like me, I think the story may leave you feeling a little unsettled. Pick this one up and let me know what you think!

P.S. Definite bonus points for the comprehensive flower dictionary. I was intrigued by what some of the flowers represent.

The Shoemaker's Wife

When Ciro Lazzari and Enza Ravenelli leave their small Italian villages (separately) for America in the early 1900s, they seem destined to end up together, even after experiencing only one brief encounter. Using your power of deduction based on the book’s title (and quickly discovering that Ciro becomes a shoemaker’s apprentice once he arrives in New York City), it’s probably safe to assume the outcome of their relationship.

Nevertheless, Adriana Trigiani has created a lovely tale that deftly weaves together the importance of family, friendship, the search for truth and ultimately, forgiveness. While I felt the book meandered just a bit and could have been pared down in some places, Trigiani certainly has a way with words. Her vivid descriptions of food, people and landscapes make you feel like you’re sitting right alongside her characters.

An enjoyable read, I’d rate The Shoemaker's Wife 4 out of 5 stars. 

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Harold Fry, a recent retiree, is sitting in his kitchen in England when he receives a letter from Queenie Hennessey, an old friend and work colleague, telling him she’s dying of cancer. After sharing the news with his wife, Maureen, Harold pens a response and promptly heads outside to drop it in the mail. But Harold doesn’t stop there. He decides that he’s going to walk all the way to Queenie’s bedside — more than 500 miles — so he can personally thank her for her kindness all those years ago.

Harold’s pilgrimage is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one. The reader learns about the joys and sorrows, successes and failures that have shaped Harold’s life, and the effect they’ve had on his relationships with Maureen, Queenie and his son, David. As Harold continues his cross-country trek, sending letters and postcards beseeching Queenie to “hang in there” until he arrives, he becomes something of a folk hero, drawing crowds of curious onlookers and well-wishers as he makes his way toward Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Rachel Joyce has created a tale that’s sweet, heartbreaking, quirky and a little bit humbling. I think you’ll find yourself rooting for Harold and optimistic about what’s next for him once the journey is complete. Many thanks, Mom, for recommending this little gem!

The Elephant Keeper

The Elephant Keeper, set in 18^th century England, tells the story of Tom Page, a horse trainer who suddenly finds himself the caretaker of two young elephants (Jenny and Timothy). I was initially intrigued by the deep connection that develops between Tom and the elephants, particularly Jenny, in this coming-of-age tale. Christopher Nicholson’s crisp writing style allows the reader to believe that the communication taking place between these two characters is similar to communication that humans are capable of having (can Jenny actually understand Tom and speak to him?).

However, as the story progresses, Nicholson seems to lose focus. The book ends without any sense of finality, leaving the reader to wonder what really happened (and not in a good way, either).

If you love elephants, I think you’d enjoy this book, as it’s filled with interesting facts about the creatures (and other animals that were fairly foreign to most of the world’s population during the late 1700s). Otherwise, skip this one and instead grab a copy of The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb.

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb

This is the second book by Melanie Benjamin that I’ve read and I truly believe that she is one of the best authors I have ever encountered— a wonderful storyteller. With her carefully crafted writing, it’s easy to forget that The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb is actually a work of fiction, albeit “historical” fiction. Regardless, I find myself envious of Ms. Benjamin’s way with words.

In this novel, Benjamin brings to life the story of Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump (aka Vinnie/Mrs. Tom Thumb), who at less than 3’ tall, becomes a superstar as a performer with P.T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome. During her course of employment, Vinnie meets and falls in love with the diminutive General Tom Thumb (aka Charles Stratton), a performer who has already achieved international fame in Barnum’s museum and traveling shows. The tiny couple captures the hearts of dignitaries and commoners around the world (their wedding was attended by more than 2,000 guests!), and spends the rest of their lives performing in some capacity.

Vinnie’s story, set during America’s Gilded Age, is a captivating one. I think readers will relate to this charming yet flawed character and the relationship she has with her family, particularly the bond she shares with younger sister Minnie, and Mr. Barnum (an oddly fascinating man).

A definite page turner, I hope Ms. Benjamin is currently working on her next novel (hurry, please).

Before I Go To Sleep

My friend Vivian gave me this book when I was in Sarasota a few weeks ago. She and I typically don’t have the same interests when it comes to fiction, but she swore I would love it. She was right; I literally could not put this book down!

In his debut novel, S.J. Watson has created a terrifying premise. Imagine waking up each morning and having absolutely no recollection of anything that happened the previous day. Whose bed is this? Who is this man next to me? Who is the person looking back at me in the mirror? For central character Christine, an accident victim who loses all memories when she goes to sleep, this is what she experiences every morning.

As the story unfolds, Christine begins to chronicle her days’ events in a journal, rereading the entries each morning to see what transpired the previous day. As you can imagine, she has a million questions. Who is Ben, the man she calls her husband? Can she trust the advice of her doctor? How did the accident happen? Where are her friends and family?

This dark and gripping novel is a page turner that will have you questioning what’s real and what isn’t right along with Christine. If you like thrillers, this book is for you!

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows

Alan Bradley again delights readers with his precocious, chemistry-obsessed protagonist Flavia de Luce in I am Half-Sick of Shadows, the fourth book in this charming series. The Christmastime installment opens with Flavia’s father, who’s fallen on hard times (he’s selling off family heirlooms left and right), agreeing to rent out the family’s decaying estate (known as Buckshaw) to a British film company. The film crew arrives, and with it comes the beautiful screen siren Phyllis Wyvern. It doesn’t take Flavia long, however, to realize that while she and her sisters may be star struck, not everyone else is so enamored with Ms. Wyvern.

Right before Christmas, the residents of Bishop’s Lacey are invited to Buckshaw for a Shakespearean performance courtesy of Ms. Wyvern and company. When a massive snowstorm prevents anyone from leaving the estate, it’s the perfect opportunity for someone to commit murder (think of all the possible suspects!). Flavia, of course, is the first to discover the crime (always so nosy!) and her sleuthing begins, much to the chagrin of the hamlet’s chief inspector.

In addition to capturing the killer(s), Flavia also has her heart set on capturing Saint Nick, proving his existence to her sisters once and for all. To do so, she sets about mixing up buckets full of birdlime that she places across the rooftop and down the chimney to ensnare poor, unsuspecting Saint Nick on Christmas Eve. Flavia’s character is truly brilliant and her schemes are laugh out loud funny.

I liked that this book really seemed to shed more light on the de Luce family, which struggles with all things emotional and familial. Bradley is a terrific writer and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted read with wonderfully developed characters should add I am Half-Sick of Shadows to the stack of books on your bedside table (or to your Kindle). You won’t be disappointed.