I had really high hopes for The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau. This women’s fiction novel promised magical realism, romance, mystery, and lots and lots of flowers. While all these things appear in the book, I still feel there could have been more.
A little more magical realism. A little more suspense. And a lot less romance.
Let’s get into it.
What is The Alchemy of Flowers about?
The Alchemy of Flowers is about mid-forties American woman Eloise, who accepts a job as a gardener at a mysterious walled garden in the French countryside. Eloise is recovering from heartbreak – fertility issues that ultimately left her both childless and husbandless – and hopes that hiding herself in the garden will help her heal in a way she couldn’t back home.
Instead, Eloise finds herself blossoming. She forms an insta-tight new circle of friends and a budding new romance, and her employer loves her unique blends of herbal remedies and tisanes. However, Eloise’s paradise comes with some strange rules, and it’s not long before she starts asking questions that get herself – and her new friends – in trouble.
What I wish I’d known before reading The Alchemy of Flowers
I had no idea that The Alchemy of Flowers would focus so much on motherhood, miscarriages, and fertility issues. And that’s because the publisher made sure to bury those plot points in the book description. There’s an early mention of “fruitless attempts to make a family,” and then everything else is all suspense! mystery! lush gardens! wood sprites!
Flowers, tinctures, gardening, herbalism, and all things witchy are having A Moment right now, and The Alchemy of Flowers is clearly trying to capitalize on this trend. I wouldn’t have chosen to read this book if I’d known what a major plot point motherhood and fertility (or lack thereof) would be.
Motherhood and fertility trigger warnings in The Alchemy of Flowers
At least half of The Alchemy of Flowers dwells on motherhood issues. And, yes, I mean dwells. Resau hits the reader over the head with Eloise’s past, flashing back to traumatic moments related to miscarriages and fertility treatments.
While these issues are important, there are so many flashbacks. Most of which don’t differ from one another. The narrative felt repetitive after a very short while, and – I’m just going to say it – I was annoyed with Eloise’s backstory. Which made me really not like her very much.
Additionally, I was bothered with the seeming implication that one could just “get over” such traumatic issues if they meet a hot French handyman and enjoy the flush of new romance. Like, poof! All healed thanks to good sex. (Ha! If only.) I would have liked to see Eloise work a little harder to heal herself rather than let other people heal her.
Other things I didn’t like about The Alchemy of Flowers
The Alchemy of Flowers tries to blend a lot of different genres together. In addition to the many I mentioned above, there’s also thriller, foodie fiction, and a tinge of the supernatural. Whew!
While author Resau managed to cram all these things into her novel, I’m not sure she did it successfully. The whole story felt a little unbalanced, and some motifs are barely touched upon, despite them (supposedly) being a major premise for the book.
Romance
The romance between Eloise and handyman Raphael takes center stage in The Alchemy of Flowers. Which would have been fine if they had a more believable connection. Most of it felt like teenage “Insta-Love”: falling deeply and quickly even though they know nothing about each other. This novel is Resau’s first adult fiction novel, and her familiarity with creating teenage romance vs people-in-their-forties romance is apparent on every page.
Eventually, Eloise and Raphael do develop a connection based on more than just being the only single, attractive, heterosexual, and similarly aged people in the garden. Granted, the majority of their connection is over one particular reason – or, one particular person – but at least it’s there.
Suspense
The times I was most invested in The Alchemy of Flowers was when Eloise’s garden became a place of mystery and dark intrigue. However, these suspenseful moments were all too brief. A lot of the story leans on the idea that Eloise and her friends are in a Garden of Eden – a paradise. Where nothing bad really happens. Which is nice, but “nothing happening” can get a little boring.
However, the end of The Alchemy of Flowers is pretty intense. Much more so than the rest of the book. I wish more of the drama were spread throughout the story instead of bundled all at the end so the novel didn’t feel so lopsided.
Magical Realism
My biggest gripe is that Resau didn’t weave enough magical realism into The Alchemy of Flowers. The magical aspects in Eloise’s story felt more like afterthoughts. I found this disappointing because I really was looking forward to this part of the novel.
For example, I wish Eloise’s ability to speak with plants was expanded upon more in the novel. It’s mentioned often, but a lot of the character’s interaction is “told” more than “shown.” I would have liked to see her relationship with plants and all things nature factor more into her thoughts, actions, words, and healing process.
Should you read The Alchemy of Flowers?
Finally, the big question: should you read The Alchemy of Flowers?
Even though I wish Resau’s novel delivered more in many places, I still think many people will enjoy reading it. It’s a cute and cozy and whimsical story, especially if you’re into gardening, flowers, la bonne vie, and being a little bit witchy.
Resau’s writing is decent, easy and simple to absorb with the occasional lovely turn of phrase and enchanting imagery. If you like books by Aimie K. Runyan, you’ll probably like The Alchemy of Flowers. However, if you’re looking for books that do a better job of embracing magical realism, witchiness, and herbalism, check out The Sparrow Sisters, Garden Spells, and Bees in June.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for The Alchemy of Flowers?
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Herbed Orzo.
Although I received a complimentary advance copy of The Alchemy of Flowers from Kaye Publicity, all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
