In a continuing effort to expand my horizons and explore topics I’ve avoided in the past, I picked up two newish novels: “The Language of Flowers,” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh and “State of Wonder,” by best selling author Ann Patchett.
“Flowers” is an engrossing story about a girl who spends years of neglect and abuse in foster care and, upon turning 18, has to fend for herself. Set in my favorite city (San Francisco), the book’s topic at first made me squeamish but I soon became immersed in the characters’ problems and passions. Nature lovers will enjoy this book for the intricate descriptions and meanings of flowers woven throughout the prose. Excellent read.
“State of Wonder,” is set mostly in the Amazon jungle (of which I knew relatively nothing before reading this novel) and features as its main character Minnesota-born 42-year-old East Indian Dr. Marina Singh. A fabulous tale with interesting plot twists, thrilling adventures, loss, redemption and romance, “State of Wonder” is beautifully crafted–with lyrical prose that will leave you breathless. It’s a deeply satisfying read. Dare I hope for a sequel?
MADCAP MARY 