Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau

e-ARC of The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau

The Alchemy of Flowers has a whimsical Secret Garden-esque French setting, which is as fantastic as it sounds. But be aware that this book has some dark overtones. The juxtaposition of warm coziness with delicious creepiness makes this book a compelling read!

As someone who loves the magical realism genre, The Alchemy of Flowers was an enjoyable tale in which to be immersed. It’s set in the real world but the main female character has the unusual ability of being able to hear flowers. As is the case with many novels in the magical realism genre, The Alchemy of Flowers contains the heartbreak and bitterness of reality but it’s gentled by the dreamlike setting. As readers explore the emotions surrounding pregnancy and child loss, the magical garden elements and lore symbolize the healing process. Resau has poured pain into the lives of each character but masterfully contrasts those who seek healing with those who dwell in the pain and consequently never seem to heal. The choice to confront or avoid pain shapes each person’s ability to truly heal.

The Alchemy of Flowers has gothic overtones of eerie, unexplainable events coupled with apothecary elements of herbal teas and medicinal plants. And while this book is not necessarily fast-moving, the prose is lush and descriptive, and feels to be just the right pace for a healing journey.

I appreciated the care Resau took in describing the unique homes nestled within the French garden community (treehouses, caravans, yurts, bungalows, etc.). And the outdoor kitchen was a fantastic addition to the daily life of the characters; a place where the gardening residents could gather each evening to share delicious meals.

This is the second book by Laura Resau that I've read but as this is her adult debut, it is the first book of hers I've read with more mature themes. This does have a bit of what I would consider “door ajar" romantic scenes and content but it is fairly minimal and is included as an important part of the healing process. This means the inclusion of romantic interludes in the plot actually drives character development which feels purposeful and not gratuitous.

I share more about The Alchemy of Flowers in my Literary Apothecary video featuring Magical Realism Recommendations HERE.

Content: child loss, pregnancy loss, cancer loss, emotional abuse of some characters, child marriage, cultural discrimination, LGBTQIA+ representation

Thank you to Laure Resau, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for the e-ARC.