Fresh Water for Flowers is a novel that delves into the life of Violette, a cemetery keeper in a town in Burgundy. The story follows Violette's journey from being an orphaned waif to becoming a woman who finds solace and purpose in tending to the cemetery. The book intertwines various characters' lives, each with their own complexities of grief, love, and human nature. Through unexpected twists and emotional depth, the plot unfolds to reveal the interconnected stories within the French landscape and culture.

The book is characterized by delicate mysticism, beautiful scenes by the sea, and subtle imagery that reveals the characters' depth. The writing style is described as deep, with interesting twists that keep the reader engaged. The narrative focuses on the lives of a select few characters, including Violette, portraying their tragedies and acts of generosity in a way that is both satisfying and life-affirming.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Violette at the center, reflecting on deep emotional journeys and relationships that reveal the complexities of grief and love.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is lyrical and evocative, rich in imagery and character depth, with influences from its French origins.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles the life of a cemetery keeper, exploring her past, relationships, and the impact of death, weaving together various subplots and character arcs.

Setting:

The story is set in a French cemetery, deeply rooted in local culture, with a backdrop that emphasizes themes of life and death.

Pacing:

The pacing involves a slow unfolding narrative, which some find profound while others may struggle to maintain focus amid varied timelines.

In 1997, when our level-crossing was automated, my husband and I lost our jobs. We were in the newspaper. We were seen as the last collateral victims of progress, the employees who worked the last man...

Notes:

The main character, Violette, is a cemetery keeper in a small village in France.

The story explores themes of grief, love, and redemption.

The writing style includes short chapters filled with significance.

There are multiple characters spanning different decades, creating a complex narrative tapestry.

The novel contains elements of mysticism and vivid imagery, particularly related to nature and the sea.

Readers appreciate the poetic language and emotional depth of the book.

There are unexpected twists in the story that keep readers engaged until the end.

The book addresses the presence of familial love despite loss, as reflected in Violette's connection to her mother.

Some readers found the original French version offered deeper meanings and nuances.

The book touches on the complexities of human relationships, including both unfulfilled and idyllic romances.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book deals with heavy themes of death, grief, and loss, which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

There are romantic elements interwoven throughout the narrative, with significant emotional relationships.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

An eccentric young caretaker brings exuberant life to a smalltown French cemetery in this #1 international bestselling novel: "Enchanting" ( Publishers Weekly ).

Violette Toussaint is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne, France. Traversing the grounds by unicycle, tending to her many gardens-and being present for the intimate, often humorous confidences of visitors-Violette's life follows the predictable rhythms of mourning. But then Violette's routine is disrupted by the arrival of Julien Sole, the local police chief.

Julien has come to scatter the ashes of his recently deceased mother on the gravesite of a complete stranger. It soon becomes clear that Julien's inexplicable gesture is intertwined with Violette's own complicated past.

"Melancholic and yet ebullient . . . An appealing indulgence in nature, food and drink, and, above all, friendships." - The Guardian , UK

Ratings (11)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (11)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

2 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Hated It

3 months

DNF on page 446. I realised I didn't care for the story or characters at all and more wanted to finish it.

kmw2017

Incredible

4 months

This story will aim for you right between the eyes. It will gut you. You will not see it coming.

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Fresh Water for Flowers

Hildegarde Serle, Valérie Perrin