Vanessa Diffenbaugh's first full-length novel isn't perfect - most readers will anticipate plot twists well before they've reached the turn - but it's more than an admirable start; and I dare say it's worth your time.
Like a lot of first works, the first half is more artful than the second. Then again, a slower pace in the beginning, when Diffenbaugh shares the story in dollops - a fistful of flowers here, a sniff of the past there - serves the reader fairly well. In the beginning, she draws her characters carefully, petal by petal. So as the plot builds and life is uprooted (once again) for Victoria Jones, recently emancipated ward of the state, readers have been prepped to accept her choices and actions.Still, certain characters and events are just a little too unbelievably good. (Single and pregnant? No worries - your boss and landlord's mom is a midwife!) But I'm not here to judge; after all, suspension of disbelief just might be the key to happiness.
Besides, the author is not only talented (please, Ms. Diffenbaugh, keep writing!) her heart is clearly in the right place. The Camellia Network, which helps children as they age-out of foster care, has received a big boost thanks to Diffenbaugh and her readers.
While The Language of Flowers: A Novel
is popular with book clubs (it was a NYT bestseller, after all) and I think it's an obvious choice for mothers and daughters who like to read and discuss titles together, I also recommend it for YA readers.Why for YA? I'll admit it's not "ideal" for that audience, but - well, what is? (My high school daughter's required reading this summer includes The Catcher in the Rye and The Color Purple - so don't pretend we should avoid adult themes, ok?)
What have you read lately?
Let me know; especially if you'd like to blog about it!
~Diane Stresing
No comments:
Post a Comment