A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers

By Hazel Gaynor

Book Overview

From the author of the USA Today bestseller The Girl Who Came Home comes an unforgettable dual timeline historical novel that tells the story of two long-lost sisters--orphaned flower sellers--and a young woman who is transformed by their experiences.

"For little sister. . . . I will never stop looking for you."

1876. Among the filth and depravity of Covent Garden's flower markets, orphaned Irish sisters Flora and Rosie Flynn sell posies of violets and watercress to survive in Victorian London. It is a pitiful existence, made bearable only by each other's presence. When they become separated, the decision of a desperate woman sets their lives on very different paths.

1912. Twenty-one-year-old Tilly Harper leaves the peace and beauty of her native Lake District for London to become assistant housemother at one of Mr. Shaw's Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls. For years, the homes have cared for London's orphaned and crippled flower girls, getting them off the streets. For Tilly, the appointment is a fresh start, a chance to leave her troubled past behind.

Soon after she arrives at the home, Tilly discovers a hidden diary belonging to Flora Flynn. Hidden between the pages she finds dried flowers and a heartbreaking tale of loss and separation as Flora's entries reveal how she never stopped looking for her lost sister. Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie--but the search will not be easy. Full of twists and surprises, it leads the caring and determined young woman into unexpected places, including the depths of her own heart.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062316893
• ISBN13: 9780062316899
• Release Date: February 2015
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A memory of violets by Gaynor

Loved this story. I found myself googling different parts of the story and finding many of the events actually occurred. The people were of course fictional.

4 stars

A MEMORY OF VIOLETS by Hazel Gaynor This was just the book I needed to read and escape into. A wonderful mix of history and mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Alternating between Victorian era 1876 and Edwardian era 1912 in England, this story was inspired by and based on the real “Flower Girls of London”. I was invested in sisters Florrie and Rosie’s story from the start. I loved Florrie’s chapters as well as her journal entries. Tilly’s story took a while for me to get into, but in the end I was rooting for her too. The author’s meticulous research shows in the details throughout the story. I ended up reading more about philanthropist John Groom and his “Crippleage and Flower Girls’ Mission”. The included photos at the end of the book helped bring this story to life. Overall, despite the (unrealistic and convenient) coincidences in the plot, I really enjoyed this. It’s a heart wrenching yet feel-good story that left me feeling hopeful. It’s nice to be reminded that there were/are people in this world who make it their mission to help others. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Wonderful book!

I really enjoyed this historical fiction book on a topic I knew nothing about. The author made me feel like the characters were part of my family and I did not want the book to end. Great book!