'Flowers from the Storm' by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance novel that delves into the complex relationship between Christian Langland, Duke of Jervaulx, and the Quaker woman, Maddy Timms. The story unfolds as Christian, a rake and a mathematical genius, suffers a stroke that leaves him unable to understand language or speak, leading to Maddy becoming his lifeline and ultimately agreeing to marry him to prevent his recommitment to an asylum. The book navigates the challenges faced by the two protagonists, including societal norms, conflicting beliefs, and personal struggles, all against the backdrop of Regency-era England. The writing style is described as intricate, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, with attention to detail and character development that immerses the reader in the story.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes related to mental illness, abusive treatment in an asylum, and emotional distress, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a strong romantic element in the story, with the protagonists' relationship being central to the plot.
From The Publisher:
The Duke of Jervaulx was brilliant and dangerous. Considered dissolute, reckless, and extravagant, he was transparently referred to as the 'D of J' in scandal sheets, where he and his various exploits featured with frequency. But sometimes the most womanising rake can be irresistible, and even his most casual attentions fascinated the sheltered Maddy Timms, quiet daughter of a simple mathematician.
Ratings (20)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (6) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (48):
Read It (22) | |
Want To Read (16) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (8) |
1 comment(s)
I have tones of very different and very mixed feelings regarding this book. It is definitely grabbing, I couldn't stop reading it. But on the other hand I didn't like many parts of the plot, I wish they are different.
Christian is a great and memorable hero. He struggles for his life abandoned by his family (or in fact against it) with only few loyal friends to help him. In the beginning Maddy makes him her mission from God to be a better Quakier but when things get really complicated she thinks her mission is complete, it's time for me to go, thank you all for your involvement.
You can say I am not really content of Maddy. She thinks that she is so much better than Christian or anyone else that she blames him for all her choices. Everything she does is his fault. I believe she leaves him at the very beginning, doesn't support him at all in his later actions. In the lunatic asylum she thinks that her purpose is to help him because he is oppressed and then save his sinful soul. I think she feels pity for him and nothing else. But after they run away she leaves him instantly caring only for herself. Back in London Christian is lonely and as abandoned as he was before. She lives with him under one roof but most of the time she regrets it and stays only because sometimes she thinks it's her duty.
I didn't liked her for that. I didn't liked that Maddy even doesn't try to get to know Christian better or to understand him. To support him, stay by his side. I hoped she will help him come back to his health, that she will work with him on that. Instead she just wants to be completely out of that all. She just leaves him there to deal with everything alone.
I can understand why so many people liked this book. And if it was only about the Christian I would love it but I was really disappointed with Maddy. And in the end it is not her who fights for their relationship and that is also frustrating.
What can you read after
Flowers from the Storm?
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