The Language of Flowers Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: The Language of Flowers
Rating: 4.6 (105 reviews)
Author: Vanessa Diffenbaugh
ISBN: 9780345525543

The Language of Flowers

A Novel

by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (6):

Readers' Rating (105):

First Published:
Aug 23, 2011, 336 pages

Paperback:
Apr 2012, 352 pages

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- Contemporary
- Debuts
- Uplifting
- Generational Sagas
- Parenting & Families
- Coming of Age
- Dealing with Loss
- Strong Women
- Top Books of 2011
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers and our BookBrowse Review of The Language of Flowers.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

What potential do Elizabeth, Renata, and Grant see in Victoria that she has a hard time seeing in herself?

While Victoria has been hungry and malnourished often in her life, food ends up meaning more than just nourishment to her. Why?

Victoria and Elizabeth both struggle with the idea of being part of a family. What does it mean to you to be part of a family? What defines family?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Beyond the Book:
Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers

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