This is a beautifully written book about ugly, hard things—foster care trauma, the impossibility of trust after abandonment, and the terrifying vulnerability of letting someone love you. The Victorian flower language is a clever device that elevates this beyond typical trauma fiction.
But let's be real: Victoria is prickly on purpose, and it takes commitment to stick with her. Multiple reviewers note it's 'not an easy tale to read' and takes time to feel attached to the protagonist. If your teen is looking for escapism or a quick read, this isn't it.
What it offers instead is emotional depth, a unique narrative voice, and genuine insight into how people survive and heal from childhood trauma. The redemption arc is earned, not handed out. It's the kind of book that stays with you—and might make you cry at a farmer's market when you see asters.






