A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers by Hazel Gaynor

 Set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This story gives a glimpse into a world of two drastic social classes: one very rich and the other very poor; the aristocrats and the poor Irish immigrants living in the slums of London’s poorest neighborhood. It offers a glimpse into the lives of crippled and orphaned girls, who sell flowers to survive and are afraid to be taken to workhouse, which is like a death sentence. And a quest of one man with a charitable heart to make a difference. He creates a home for those poor girls, and gives them purpose, confidence, and hope.

England, 1912: Tilly Harper arrives in London for a position of assistant housemother at Mr. Shaw’s Home for Watercress and Flower Girls. Home for orphaned and crippled girls. Instead of selling flowers on the grimy streets of London and be dependent on seasons, they make artificial flowers year-round. Flowers made out of silk, looking so lifelike that you want to smell the perfume of the petals. Tilly is assigned to Violet Home – one of the Flower Homes as they are called after flowers. There, she finds a notebook written by an orphan named Florrie.

London, 1876: Florrie promises her mom she’ll look after her little sister, before her mom passes away. But while selling flowers, an accident happens and her sister’s hand slips from hers and Rosie is gone. She writes her memories down in hope when she finds her sister; she’ll be able to show her that she never forgot her and never stopped looking for her.

Meanwhile, the story of Rose’s gets revealed.

As Tilly continues her read of Florrie’s notebook, her own search for Rosie begins. And when she struggles, her late father’s encouraging words come to her mind. – This part which brings her father’s words is very endearing, including the dear relationship she had had with her father. Her father’s words are very resonating.

The layers of the story are beautifully revealed.

The atmosphere of family and the pride they take in making those flowers shine through the story. You can feel the pride and excitement and the unity of that place. It’s very heartening. The girls can’t mend their bodies, but the place mends their hearts, bringing their spirits up.

This is a very delightful and endearing read; originally written, and interestingly plotted, with uplifting characters. This book is a treasure.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be heartwarming.

P.S. This story was inspired by real London’s flower sellers, Alexandra Day Rose, and John Groom’s organization.

Release date: 3 February 2015