Review which now is questions I ask myself after reading is written for our blog Traveling Sisters Book Reviews

My official start to summer reading has begun, and I am looking forward to a summer of reading, drinking, and enjoying the weather. I kicked it off with Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin, a refreshing summer cocktail, Pimm’s cup on my front deck with my husband and Penny. Penny wasn’t a good reading buddy because she wanted to go for a walk; however, she had just had surgery and had no idea she needed to take it easy for a few days.

Fresh Water for Flowers was named the lockdown novel during the height of the pandemic, and I am not sure why I didn’t read it then. However, I feel it makes for a great summer read!!!

What makes Fresh Water for Flowers a great summer read?

Makes a great escapism read that transforms you to another place
One to savor
Eloquent, fluctuant, picturesque, poetic descriptive writing that appeals to your senses of sound, smell and taste.
Gives us sense of everyday life
Creates feelings of comfort and solace
A story for of heart with a character to fall in love with, root for and learn from
Where to read Fresh Water for Flowers

Reading this one on your deck, in the backyard, or in the garden is the perfect place to enjoy this one. It will add to the description of gardening and food and will pull you from your ideal reading stop into the setting.

What to drink while reading Fresh Water for Flowers.

I think something refreshing to sip makes the perfect drink for this one. Maybe ice tea or lemonade with freshly squeezed lemon. My choice of drink was a Pimm’s cup cocktail with mint, cucumbers, and lemon.

What are some themes explored?

Life, loss, redemption, memories, happiness, growth, pain, and healing different types of relationships. Valérie Perrin gives us something a little different here while exploring grief and loss by using a cemetery as the setting. Through our main character, Violette, the themes become a celebration of life and love. I liked how we saw how Violette and her husband Philippe dealt differently with their grief.

A lot is going on as themes are explored and sometimes feel like they are quietly weaved together and then become busy with the various narratives and plot strands. Some darker events shocked me and disturbed the quiet feel of the story. A tragedy with buried painful secrets is revealed as the story moves back and forth between the present and past.

Are the characters likable or unlikeable and easy to connect and relate to? Do they change and grow with the conflicts they experience?

Violette is an engaging, likable narrator in the best way and easy to sympathize with. She is hardworking, kind, compassionate, sensitive, and vulnerable, with flaws and depth to her character. After a detective shows up at her door, she starts to question her life, and we see her grow and develop as a character. There is a large cast of likable unforgettable characters who cross Violette’s path, and we learn their story as Violette’s past and present life are slowly revealed.

“For a woman like me, not feeling compassion would be like being an astronaut, a surgeon, a volcanologist, or a geneticist. Not part of my planet, or my skill set.” ~ Violette

Violette and her husband Philippe experience a tragedy that adds a mystery element to the story, and we start to see more into his character and motivations. He is pretty unlikable with his cheating and lazy ways, but he becomes a character to sympathize with after the tragedy.

“My closest neighbors don’t quake in their boots. They have no worries, don’t fall in love, don’t bite their nails, don’t believe in chance, make no promises, or noise, don’t have social security, don’t cry, don’t search for their keys, their glasses, the remote control, their children, happiness..They’re not ass-kissers, ambitious, grudge-bearers, dandies, etu, generous, jealous, scruffy, clean, awesome, funny, addicted, stiny, cheerful, crafty, violent, lovers, whiners, hypocrites, gentle, tough, feeble, nasty, liars, thieves, gambles, strivers, idlers, believers, pervent, optimists. They’re dead” ~Violette

How did the setting add to the dynamics?

Violette is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne and finds solace and peace with her routine and habits. She maintains the grounds and graves and grows vegetables and flowers in her gardens, creating a wonderful sense of place that provokes your sense of sight, smell, taste, and sound. She forms friendships and relationships with the colorful and eccentric staff gravediggers, Elvis, Nono, Gaston, the undertakers, the Lucchini brothers, and the priest Cedric who become her family. She goes beyond what a caretaker does as she cares for her garden of souls and makes the cemetery a place of life, hope, comfort, and memories.

“I planted some pine trees…[it’s]…all about caring for the dead who lie within it. It’s about respecting them. And if they weren’t respected in life, at least they are in death. [But] I’m sure plenty of bastards lie here…And anyhow, who hasn’t been a bastard at least once in their life?”

Did the story inspire me? Did the stories have me think deeply, challenge my thoughts, and see something different? Or learn anything new?

Yes!! Violette has an eye for observation, and I enjoyed seeing things through her eyes. She believes in happiness and seeks solace in her life and habits. That had me thinking about when life is too hard, we can find some comfort in the little things in life. Also, to take the time to see what makes us happy and not hide from change.

Do I recommend it? YES!!

1.9 "Celine Dion has laryngytis" stars !!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Europa editions. This was originally published in French in 2018. This English edition was released in July 2020.

Not since Patchett's Bel Canto have I been more disappointed in a novel. I so looked forward to this novel probably as much as I did the Patchett. I read a number of really positive and glowing reviews from GR friends and a few IRL friends (all women) adored this one too.

I started and at 8 percent stated "I both like and don't like this thus far". I felt quite ambivalent at this point. I really liked the sketch of Violette (although I never did believe her to be a real life flesh like being but more a romantic muse) I then had a number of really good cries over the next few chapters and I had such hope for this book. Not that I ever found it well written but some of it was charming, whimsical, ridiculously sentimental. At 22 percent I stated "This book has won me over but is absolutely devastating me over and fuckin over and fuckin over again.
I can't bear it sometimes !"

From here the book begins downwards and downwards and downwards. The book book is mostly maudlin, unbelievable, contrived, ridiculously ridiculous. Even when there are lovely moments I am left unmoved, annoyed due to the histrionics, the caricatures, the constant coincidences, the stereotypes.

At 62 percent I write "This may be the most disappointing book I read this year!" I truly cannot imagine that I will read a more disappointing novel this year. Disappointing novels are worse than the stinkers because they break your heart for all the wrong reasons. You see the potential and wish they could be the novel that you know it could be with the right editor and plenty of work thrown into it.

At 77 percent I write "I can't drag this one out anymore. I hope to finish this today or tomorrow and focus only on this read" My heart is broken (truly) for all the wrong reasons.

At 92 percent I scream ""I can't wait to be done with this!" I am more than annoyed now, I'm upset at what a cop out the big reveal is. I am angry at how superficially caricaturish (my own word) that everybody but Violette is. She has a bit of complexity while the rest are cartoons out of Grade C French Soap Operas that are dubbed in Cockney accents where the voices and lips don't match.

There were a few moments of real sublime beauty where I will rate this book 3.5 stars (Generously I will say that this is 20 percent of the book) and the remaining 80 percent I will give a charitable 1.5 stars.

Celine darling why did you go on singing with your laryngitis ? Huh ?

Violette has been caring for a small cemetery in Bourgogne for 20 years. She escaped her former life after her relationship was faltering and a tragic event took place. But though she lives in a cemetery, she has all that she needs. The quirky staff that keeps the places running and the tombstones and the stories the hold. One day Detective Julian Seul comes to the cemetery to lay his mother’s ashes at the tombstone of her lover. He’ll meet Violette and as the two share their pasts they learn to move heal and move forward.

Some of the best parts about this book were the moments where Violette shares more of her carefree ways, like the lighthearted pranks she’ll pull on some of the visitors. After dealing with grief it was nice to see how she slowly gained confidence in moving on in life. I loved the cemetery staff too. The story has a lot going for it but I thought it took too long to get to what had happened in Violette’s life and the story of Julian’s mother, while interesting was also just drawn out too long.

This was just a beautiful story. heartbreaking and lovely. Well written and brought me to tears a few times. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

Wonderful story that still sticks with me a year later. The main character grows so much in this story and its gratifying to move through with her.

I've hired my time trying to decide what to write about this book. Fresh Water for Flowers is such an unique experience that reading it and then talking about it requires a good deal of thought. At times I loved this book, at times I hated it. Well rather I hated a situation or a character (or two). That may be a sign of a story well told.

Some characters I disliked from the moment I met them, one or two I changed my mind a little as they revealed another aspect of their characters get throughout the years. I can't and won't say I ever came to like them but I did feel some modicum of sorrow for them. Others, I disliked them from the first and grew to hate. You will know to whom I refer when you have read the book.

I am dismayed by the casual way books, especially contemporary books treat infidelity. I know, I know this is a French book with French social mores. They look at adultery in a completely different way than Americans, perhaps. I just don't see it as entertainment, it saddens me for one thing. It also seems to me that it, and it's perpetrators, are treated as if there is nothing wrong with either the affair or the people committing it. It and they are celebrated. Sorry, can't do it, won't do it. I'm not going to stone people but I'm also not going to pretend they are good people doing good things. I'm not interested in the excuses or their so-called dilemma of what to do. You want to know what to do? Keep your pants on and keep your hands, etc. to yourself! If you are unhappy in your relationship, do something about it, don't start anything with anyone else until you are actually single. I don't understand how all of those people just disappeared for a length of time. A business trip is one thing, it is an expected, reasonable absence but how does Irene explain any of her absences? Especially when she just gets in a car without a word to anyone and disappears? It is baffling.

Enough about that. This book covers a lot of topics and went to places I could not have forseen. Each chapter begins with a quotation; most are wonderful, may are thought-provoking, a few I didn't understand. All in all, a good book that I'm sure many will enjoy. The translation is fantastic, seamless.

this was truly melancholy. But like most melancholy, there was also a strong rod of strength and threads of joy. This is very French in that it is full of affairs as life-affirming and everyone heals by being shown by someone else. But it is also very French in its celebration of the small things as Violette recovers from her bad childhood, terrible marriage and loss, amidst a cemetery (she's the keeper). Well-written and beautiful, somewhat sentimental but never maudlin

I have just finished reading Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin, translated from the French by Hildegarde Serle and I wish I had the time to start reading it all over again. This is the most beautiful book to come out of my TBR pile this year. Violette Toussaint lives in a little house in a cemetery in Bourgogne in France. She is the caretaker of this cemetery and she tends it with love and pride. Her world revolves around the tending of the graves and the care of the aggrieved. Her friends are the people who cross her path there. So far, it doesn’t seem like much of a story but it is so lyrical, so touching, so sad and so rewarding. This is the life of a young woman who goes through some of life’s most tragic events and attempts to keep her head and her heart in the right place throughout. It is a Sunday afternoon kind of read. I recommend it to all. Thank you to Europa Editions and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a beautifully written tale of loss and grief. There is so much going on in this book, and I believe readers should experience it spoiler free as they read so they can go on the emotional roller coaster that is Fresh Water for Flowers. Definitely recommend this book!

Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Fresh Water for Flowers in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story about a strong woman who finds her way when she's betrayed and left to take care of a cemetary when her husband disappears. Her perserverance and practical nature carry the day as she's supported by those who value her tenacity and optimism.

Absolutely dazzling. One of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. Poignant and heart warming. You will find yourself slowing down so you can savor this gem of a book in small gulps. A definite must read. Pick up this winner of a book. Happy reading!

this book was poignant, lyric and magnificent. I really fell in love with the story, and the writing particularly. the character development was solid from beginning to end, and that kept me reading speedily until the end.

Fresh Water for Flowers is a wonderfully charming gem of a book. With infinite tenderness Perrin explores our most tragic and most delightful moments.

Violette is a cemetery-keeper in a small French town. Her days are quiet but full, caring for the cemetery flora and fauna and lending an ear (and a glass of port) to any visitors that may need it. In the style of Chocolat (the movie) Fresh Water for Flowers reads as a series of vignettes of Violette's days, remembrances of her past and portraits of the cemetery visitors. As Violette says, there are two confessionals in the town, one in the church, the other her cottage. These little windows into the lives and histories of the visitors—love affairs, estranged relationships, failed marriages—despite being connected by death and often profound tragedy, are so vibrant and full of love. Where this book could have easily have been morbid or depressing it instead radiated warmth and hope through every page.

Interspersed throughout are flashbacks to Violette's troubled relationship with her first love and life as a young mother prior to living and working in the cemetery. Ever so slowly the two timelines converge in alternating chapters between past and present and Violette, as a character, blooms before your eyes. With more understanding of her past you only gain hope for her future. Violette was such an easy character to fall in love with.

If you're needing something cozy and hopeful I can't recommend this book enough. Just enough mystery to propel you through the story and the perfect balance of catharsis and joy to wrap it up.

Today is your lucky day because this is a special book.France’s #1 Bestselling feel good novel of the year.Author#Valerie Perrin makes her English debut. ‘#Fresh Water for Flowers ‘ is full of French
charm and memorable characters.
Violette Toussaint is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne. Casual mourners,regular visitors, and sundry colleagues-gravediggers, groundskeepers, and occasional tears mix with the coffee she offers them.Her life is lived to the rhythms of their funny,moving confidences.
Violette’s routine is disrupted one day by the arrival of Julien Sole-local police chief-who insists on scattering 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 difficult past.This gets very interesting...
Thank you,
#Netgalley,#Valerie Perrin and #Europa Editions

This is a book to savor. There is a mystery at the heart of the story, and Perrin inexorably drives towards its unraveling, but the journey is far more than plot-driven. The characters whose world we get to inhabit for a short while are rich and sympathetic. Violette and her husband Philippe work the level crossing in a small town in France. The schedule of the trains is Violette’s schedule. Philippe, after a brief infatuation with her, finds his satisfactions in whores, video games and his motorbike. While they live largely separate lives, Violette, and then Violette and their daughter, seem to be mostly content. When tragedy, followed by unemployment upend their lives, both Philippe and Violette reshape themselves to adapt. The intertwined stories of Philippe’s parents, of Gabriel Prudent and Irène Fayolle and her son Julien, of Violette’s friends Célia and Sasha are all entrancing and each exists in a jewel-like settings of its own.

Don’t neglect to play the music that is referenced throughout the book. It forms the perfect soundtrack for reading this wonderfully atmospheric story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a story of love and loss – and hope. Violette, the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne, is a character I really warmed to; she is optimistic, brave, creative and caring. This is very much a character driven story, and full of original and quirky characters, such as the three gravediggers – Nono, Gaston and Elvis. But it is also a story with a mystery at the heart of it – as Julien Seul, the policeman is delving into his mother’s past, intrigued by her wish to have her ashes scattered far from her home and on the grave of a stranger.

It is also an emotional and moving story about Violette, her estranged husband, Phillippe, his miserable parents and their young daughter, Leonine. What happened to Leonine is especially tragic. But this a story full of warmth and happiness and life in the cemetery is full of surprises and joy. It is not what I expected to be and I am so pleased I’ve read it.

My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an uncorrected proof copy.

Oh my where do I begin with how much I loved this novel? Middle aged woman, French small town, characters galore, cemetery keeper, ponderings and musings. Translated from French and I have to say the translation (Hildegarde Serle) is pure perfection. Some of the sentences in this novel will stick with me. I love, love novels about life and death, grief and longing, absence and presence. If I had to define keywords for novels I like it would be those.

Usually when a book is on my Goodreads "currently reading" list for months, it's not a good sign. In this case, it was because I didn't want to finish the book too quickly - I was enjoying it too much. Fresh Water for Flowers is being released in an English translation from the original French next month (June 2020). It is simply a story of life, death and love but it's beautifully told. Violette, when we meet her, is the caretaker of a cemetery where she encounters death daily. As the book unfolds, we learn of her husband Philippe, their daughter Leonine, and the life they lived before - at a train interchange, where they were tied to the routine of the trains coming and going.

Philippe is garbage as a husband but Violette has not known a life where she would have learned she could do better. But because of their job with the trains, Violette makes her first real friend and her world becomes a little larger - and better. Slowly, the reader learns how Violette's world changed over time, how her life becomes connected to the people she meets at the cemetery and how that impacts her understanding of life and love. Simply and beautifully told, it's a book to be savored and enjoyed.

One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read.

“My name is Violette Toussaint. I was a level-crossing keeper, now I’m a cemetery keeper”. When I first read these opening words, I wondered what I’d let myself in for. How could an author manage to write 476 pages about Violette’s two occupations? Through beautiful, poetic descriptions, large doses of humour and many, many tears shed as I followed the story.

Violette married Philippe when she was very young. He was a ne’er do well. She knew from the beginning that he had many mistresses and would often disappear for months at a time.

Violette’s life changed when her daughter Léonine was born. She, as an orphan brought up in care, swore that her daughter would never know the horror of being abandoned.

Philippe’s parents – particularly his mother, treated Violette with disdain. Even refusing to acknowledge Léonine’s name – instead, they insisted on calling her Catherine, “Catherine is a much prettier name.” claimed Mother Toussaint. The relationship with her inlaws never improved – and Violette failed to stop them from not only visiting her daughter but taking her on holiday with them.

Violette only has one true female friend, Célia. She’d met Célia when the train she and her granddaughter were travelling in, had been forced by a strike to stop at the crossing Violette manned. Thanks to Violette’s kindness – taking her into her home until the trains resumed, Célia insisted that Violette and Léonine spend their summer holidays at her chalet in the Calanque de Sormiou. These holidays, without Philippe, were the happiest times of Violette’s life.

Tragedy struck when Léonine was seven. It changed Violette’s life forever.

It was after this tragedy that Violette met Sasha, the cemetery keeper at Brancion. He taught Violette how to live again and survive her terrible loss. Violette and Philippe took over from him as the cemetery keepers when he retired. Philippe was meant to work alongside Violette at the graveyard but one day without saying anything went for a motorbike ride and never returned.

When Julien Seul, a detective, arrived at her door to discuss laying his mother’s ashes on one of the graves in the graveyard they have an immediate but somewhat awkward connection. Not only does he ask for Violette’s advice on the eulogy for his mother, but he also gave his mother’s journal to Violette to read. This journal is an integral part of the story.

I can’t find sufficient words to describe this novel, superbly translated from French into English by Hildegarde Serle. Violette is a beautiful, strong, resourceful woman. I’ve come to love her, and she will live long in my heart. Then there are others like the three gravediggers Nono, Gaston and Elvis together with Father Cédric Duras made me laugh out loud and realise that humour while working with the dead is very much alive.

I usually panic when I see that a book is over 350 pages. However, this novel could have carried on for another 1,000 pages, and I wouldn’t have grown bored. It’s filled with love, sorrow, tragedy, laughter, beautiful, vibrant characters and lots of gardening tips—a truly epic read.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

Fresh Water for Flowers is one of those stories that will stay with me for a long while. Beautifully written, full of emotions, and packed with great characters, this story captivated me from the beginning. A character driven tale of love, loss, and hope with a mixture of mystery that slowly develops while exploring deepest human emotions, wants, and steps to recovery from the loss of a loved one. And even though this story is heartbreaking at times, I was left with happy and positive feelings and a quiet contentment after reading its last page.

Thank you NetGalley, Europa Editions, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.