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A Flower for the Queen
England, 1770. Young gardener Francis Masson is asked by the King to search for a rare orange blossom in South Africa. As his ship departs, Mason has no idea that he's about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. During his hunt for the mysterious flower, he doesn't anticipate the untamed nature of the African continent, nor the subtle scheming of competing plant hunters. As he makes the acquaintance of eccentric botanist Carl Thunberg and his elegant accompaniment, Masson's fate once again takes an unexpected turn...
A lively adventure novel set against the vibrant backdrop of the South African countryside.
A lively adventure novel set against the vibrant backdrop of the South African countryside.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
10 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Vermalle
46 books47 followersCaroline Vermalle was born in France in 1973 to a family whose French roots go back at least as far as the 16th century. Yet, she is a vegetarian who can’t cook, doesn’t drink, finds berets itchy and unpractical and would rather eat yesterday’s snails than jump a queue.
After graduating from film school in Paris, she became a television documentary producer for the BBC in London and travelled the world, at speed and off the beaten tracks, in search of good stories. In 2008, then on maternity leave, she penned her first novel « George’s Grand Tour », whose international success allowed her to quit her job and indulge in her three passions : books, interior design and travel - slowly this time.
After writing 7 novels in different genres and different languages, going on a world tour with her family and building a wooden house in a forest, Caroline now lives between a small seaside town in Vendée (France) and a small seaside town in the Eastern Cape (South Africa) with her son, a black cat and her husband, South African architect-turned-author Ryan von Ruben.
After graduating from film school in Paris, she became a television documentary producer for the BBC in London and travelled the world, at speed and off the beaten tracks, in search of good stories. In 2008, then on maternity leave, she penned her first novel « George’s Grand Tour », whose international success allowed her to quit her job and indulge in her three passions : books, interior design and travel - slowly this time.
After writing 7 novels in different genres and different languages, going on a world tour with her family and building a wooden house in a forest, Caroline now lives between a small seaside town in Vendée (France) and a small seaside town in the Eastern Cape (South Africa) with her son, a black cat and her husband, South African architect-turned-author Ryan von Ruben.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 16, 2017
A Flower for the Queen was quite a disappointment. It's described in its blurbs as an adventure story set in South Africa in the 1700's, and just seemed like an overall fascinating story. I'll never really know, I guess, because – as I seem to be saying a lot lately – the writing fought me, and – I don't know, did I lose or did the book lose if I quit?
This is apparently a translation; if so, the author Caroline Vermalle was ill served. I trust things like "engaged the break of the coach" or "He always kept the small folding knife close to him, as a constant reminder than for its utilitarian value" will be fixed at some point (though this seems to have already been published), but phrasing is often awkward. "There was no escape from the sun as it bore down mercilessly on Ian Boulton and James Simmons." Things like far too much confusion in where and why characters are described…"..The sullen quiet that had befallen the room", when I can't imagine the applicability of the word "sullen"… "Masson saw Forster steeped over in wretched humiliation", which is odd in context and in general… This whole paragraph was confused:
"Whilst tall and of the same age, where Masson’s looks were unrefined and rough, Banks was remarkably handsome. Where Masson’s class and upbringing had taught him a reflex for deference, Banks deferred to no one, least of all Lord Sandwich, who stood opposite him. The corpulent First Lord of the Admiralty, who constantly dabbed at his forehead and upper lip with a silk handkerchief, was poured over the numerous technical drawings and plans that lay spread out on the desk between them."
There is also a slightly bizarre disconnect in the way the story is told. It opens, italicized, with the book's present day, which I did not make a note of: early 1800's, and an old man (Francis Masson) nearly run over (or actually run over) (by the coach with the breaks), telling his life story to an aspiring journalist. Yet the life story is couched in such a way that this bookending makes no sense: the old man's younger self is described thus: "His eyes were verdant sparkles, at odds with the serious and unsmiling face in which they were set. He was not younger than thirty years of age and was strongly built, but he pulled and fidgeted at his clothes." There is a fair amount of detail of things that happen when Masson is not present. It doesn't work. Why would all of Masson's sparse possessions be "at least a full day’s journey away by stagecoach" from where he works?
And then there are the anachronisms. How is it that Masson and a young female friend call each other by their first names, when the girl's mother calls him "Mr. Masson", and how is it that they walk around holding hands? How is it that someone who can barely afford a change of clothes can manage to fill up a hemp sack with discarded drafts of letters? Paper was still pretty darn expensive in 1770.
Masson is drafted into a mission for the king and popped onto a ship, where "there were definitely those amongst his fellow diners who resented his presence and wondered why he wasn’t messing with the midshipmen or the marines." He's on a mission for the king. It seems a little odd he is so disrespected. It also seems odd that a small ship has a "chief scientist"; are there more, of whom he is the chief?
Disappointingly, this many problems were packed into just the small percentage I read. Then I decided that I had far too many other books waiting to spend any more time here.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity.
This is apparently a translation; if so, the author Caroline Vermalle was ill served. I trust things like "engaged the break of the coach" or "He always kept the small folding knife close to him, as a constant reminder than for its utilitarian value" will be fixed at some point (though this seems to have already been published), but phrasing is often awkward. "There was no escape from the sun as it bore down mercilessly on Ian Boulton and James Simmons." Things like far too much confusion in where and why characters are described…"..The sullen quiet that had befallen the room", when I can't imagine the applicability of the word "sullen"… "Masson saw Forster steeped over in wretched humiliation", which is odd in context and in general… This whole paragraph was confused:
"Whilst tall and of the same age, where Masson’s looks were unrefined and rough, Banks was remarkably handsome. Where Masson’s class and upbringing had taught him a reflex for deference, Banks deferred to no one, least of all Lord Sandwich, who stood opposite him. The corpulent First Lord of the Admiralty, who constantly dabbed at his forehead and upper lip with a silk handkerchief, was poured over the numerous technical drawings and plans that lay spread out on the desk between them."
There is also a slightly bizarre disconnect in the way the story is told. It opens, italicized, with the book's present day, which I did not make a note of: early 1800's, and an old man (Francis Masson) nearly run over (or actually run over) (by the coach with the breaks), telling his life story to an aspiring journalist. Yet the life story is couched in such a way that this bookending makes no sense: the old man's younger self is described thus: "His eyes were verdant sparkles, at odds with the serious and unsmiling face in which they were set. He was not younger than thirty years of age and was strongly built, but he pulled and fidgeted at his clothes." There is a fair amount of detail of things that happen when Masson is not present. It doesn't work. Why would all of Masson's sparse possessions be "at least a full day’s journey away by stagecoach" from where he works?
And then there are the anachronisms. How is it that Masson and a young female friend call each other by their first names, when the girl's mother calls him "Mr. Masson", and how is it that they walk around holding hands? How is it that someone who can barely afford a change of clothes can manage to fill up a hemp sack with discarded drafts of letters? Paper was still pretty darn expensive in 1770.
Masson is drafted into a mission for the king and popped onto a ship, where "there were definitely those amongst his fellow diners who resented his presence and wondered why he wasn’t messing with the midshipmen or the marines." He's on a mission for the king. It seems a little odd he is so disrespected. It also seems odd that a small ship has a "chief scientist"; are there more, of whom he is the chief?
Disappointingly, this many problems were packed into just the small percentage I read. Then I decided that I had far too many other books waiting to spend any more time here.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity.
December 28, 2015
This adventure is told through the eyes of Francis Masson, now an old man, recounting his tale of the journey he made to South Africa in order to find a specific flower for the King. Masson is documented by history as a Scottish botanist, sent abroad with Captain Cook. His South Africa mission was the first of many historically documented; but the author has used their imagination to portray the events that happened there - and used it well! Who knew collecting flowers could be so thrilling!
Masson searches against the vivid backdrop of untamed Africa, with detailed descriptions of his encounters with botany and wildlife that really bring the landscape to life. I enjoyed the tale; despite it seeming like finding a flower isn't that exciting, he is dropped into adventure and a land that he is completely unprepared for. I really enjoyed this unique tale of historical fiction, and was carried along by the action, twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended for those who like historical action-adventure.
Masson searches against the vivid backdrop of untamed Africa, with detailed descriptions of his encounters with botany and wildlife that really bring the landscape to life. I enjoyed the tale; despite it seeming like finding a flower isn't that exciting, he is dropped into adventure and a land that he is completely unprepared for. I really enjoyed this unique tale of historical fiction, and was carried along by the action, twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended for those who like historical action-adventure.
December 9, 2014
Set in the early 1770s, the story begins when Francis Masson, the undergardener at Kew, is tasked with finding a fabled flower once seen but lost, a flower the King wishes to retrieve and name after his Queen. Masson is soon en-route to South Africa, and discovering that his life is going to become even more complicated than he'd thought. He is introduced to the local dangers through an unusual but naturally well-informed source, and then has to decide who to trust.
The breath-taking landscape is brought to life in a very visual fashion, and local attitudes towards slavery and retribution are well-presented, but I think I was expecting something more along the lines of a historical tale of botany set in South Africa, and the resulting adventure story set in a historical context, though factually correct, just felt off-kilter to me, even unbelievable for the adult fiction market.
There's no attempt at historical language, and some of triggered feelings of anachronisms. There were a few details that seemed odd to me, and weren't explained in the end notes (marriage announcements in the newspaper, for instance, and his easy wastage of paper) and some inconsistencies , and his ability to stumble from one dire situation to another seems incredible.
I just found it too easy to put down, and felt no particular impetus to pick it back up. I only finished out of a sense of obligation.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The breath-taking landscape is brought to life in a very visual fashion, and local attitudes towards slavery and retribution are well-presented, but I think I was expecting something more along the lines of a historical tale of botany set in South Africa, and the resulting adventure story set in a historical context, though factually correct, just felt off-kilter to me, even unbelievable for the adult fiction market.
There's no attempt at historical language, and some of triggered feelings of anachronisms. There were a few details that seemed odd to me, and weren't explained in the end notes (marriage announcements in the newspaper, for instance, and his easy wastage of paper) and some inconsistencies , and his ability to stumble from one dire situation to another seems incredible.
I just found it too easy to put down, and felt no particular impetus to pick it back up. I only finished out of a sense of obligation.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2014
I downloaded A Flower For The Queen from Netgalley (get on it if you're not already book lovers). There's a lot of very commercial fiction on Netgalley, some great and some not so great, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this title. It proved a wonderful escape from the London Underground rush hour, so vivid and exciting that I'm now even more eagerly anticipating a holiday to South Africa.
So what about this book makes you want to plan a trip abroad? It has some of the characteristics of a great Imperial Victorian adventure in the style of RM Ballantyne etc. These include ripping pace and dramatic action (there's a scene with lions and hyenas which I won't spoil, I promise it will keep you gripped and breathless).
The plot nevertheless allows a real sense of the wild spaces of South Africa to develop, as we accompany explorers and botanists through it. The landscape is vital to this book, it represents freedom and a means of understanding who you really are. The author has clearly researched the flora and details are authentic and fascinating- an appealing history and biology lesson.
The hero of the piece is rather unlikely and timid, thrown into a tense military and political situation. Although the modern reader won't share many of his fears or bias, it's reassuring and interesting to follow his development. The other characters are boldly drawn and charismatic- even the villains have a filmic quality. The narrative is framed by a storyteller in the snows of North America, who neatly pulls together the great love story and passion for adventure that drive the book.
I'd highly recommend.
So what about this book makes you want to plan a trip abroad? It has some of the characteristics of a great Imperial Victorian adventure in the style of RM Ballantyne etc. These include ripping pace and dramatic action (there's a scene with lions and hyenas which I won't spoil, I promise it will keep you gripped and breathless).
The plot nevertheless allows a real sense of the wild spaces of South Africa to develop, as we accompany explorers and botanists through it. The landscape is vital to this book, it represents freedom and a means of understanding who you really are. The author has clearly researched the flora and details are authentic and fascinating- an appealing history and biology lesson.
The hero of the piece is rather unlikely and timid, thrown into a tense military and political situation. Although the modern reader won't share many of his fears or bias, it's reassuring and interesting to follow his development. The other characters are boldly drawn and charismatic- even the villains have a filmic quality. The narrative is framed by a storyteller in the snows of North America, who neatly pulls together the great love story and passion for adventure that drive the book.
I'd highly recommend.
August 24, 2014
This was a thoroughly adventurous and exciting story. I couldn't wait to give it a read, especially when I learned that part of it was set in South Africa, my home country. And, being a fan of historical reads, there was just so much to love about this book. It was well-paced and held me captive throughout.
I was sucked into the story from the first page and as the mayhem and adventure continued across the seas to Cape Town, the plot only became more thrilling and action-packed. I enjoyed being taken back in time and it was interesting to go on the journey with Masson as he traversed this new land, while finding out the hard way whom was friend and whom was foe.
This book was filled with twists and turns - betrayal, lies, and a beautiful tale of love, lost and found. A definite must read if you are looking to be taken on an incredible journey. A stunning read.
I was sucked into the story from the first page and as the mayhem and adventure continued across the seas to Cape Town, the plot only became more thrilling and action-packed. I enjoyed being taken back in time and it was interesting to go on the journey with Masson as he traversed this new land, while finding out the hard way whom was friend and whom was foe.
This book was filled with twists and turns - betrayal, lies, and a beautiful tale of love, lost and found. A definite must read if you are looking to be taken on an incredible journey. A stunning read.
December 17, 2016
There was a time when the botanical discovery was worth gold. And the journey to this discoveries were often as dangerous as the ones to gold fields. This is a story of the reluctant hero who is going to realize of what he is cut off.
Francis Masson is just a poor undergardener, doing his duties and having no dreams beyond the stable life. But fate throws him into the wilderness, when he is pushed to accept the role of the one who will bring the flower known just from the drawings yet - to be named after the British queen. Francis is unexperienced, naive and even a bit narrow-minded, but he learns fast and grows even faster into a real man. And this adventure prompts him to the life of an explorer, who is hunting flowers - but there is maybe a flower he hunts the most decidedly.
This is a book I would loved as a teenage reader, and what still pushes my reading buttons even in my adulthood. It has everything - a skilled writer, an unwilling hero, a mission, a frenemy and even a love (even if the romantic link is the weakest here). This reminds me of the books of my youth, which have provoked the dream-catching and also reminds me of the real obstacles I have met with when reaching for the said dreams. Pure adventure!
And even more, the heroes are based on the real life characters! Sure, this is not an autobiography, but fiction, so some events are pure imagination, but I was not here for the data, but for the reading pleasure - and I got more than what I had bargained for.
Francis Masson is just a poor undergardener, doing his duties and having no dreams beyond the stable life. But fate throws him into the wilderness, when he is pushed to accept the role of the one who will bring the flower known just from the drawings yet - to be named after the British queen. Francis is unexperienced, naive and even a bit narrow-minded, but he learns fast and grows even faster into a real man. And this adventure prompts him to the life of an explorer, who is hunting flowers - but there is maybe a flower he hunts the most decidedly.
This is a book I would loved as a teenage reader, and what still pushes my reading buttons even in my adulthood. It has everything - a skilled writer, an unwilling hero, a mission, a frenemy and even a love (even if the romantic link is the weakest here). This reminds me of the books of my youth, which have provoked the dream-catching and also reminds me of the real obstacles I have met with when reaching for the said dreams. Pure adventure!
And even more, the heroes are based on the real life characters! Sure, this is not an autobiography, but fiction, so some events are pure imagination, but I was not here for the data, but for the reading pleasure - and I got more than what I had bargained for.
May 9, 2019
Wie sich herausstellt, doch eine wahre Begebenheit mit Ausschmückungen hier und da. Das Buch bestätigt meine Leidenschaft für Blumen und Pflanzen, mit ihren Geschichten und Reisen um die Welt. Ohne diese mutigen Menschen, die die Meere überquerten, um eine Blume zu finden, hätten wir heute nicht so einen Artenreichtum in Europa.
Wunderschönes Buch für Naturliebhaber.
Wunderschönes Buch für Naturliebhaber.
October 20, 2017
Africans
Después de conocer Sudáfrica y Ciudad del Cabo esta novela resultó una interesante manera de conocer un poco más de la historia y la hermosa geografía del lugar.
Después de conocer Sudáfrica y Ciudad del Cabo esta novela resultó una interesante manera de conocer un poco más de la historia y la hermosa geografía del lugar.
September 18, 2014
A Flower for the Queen, the Strelitzia Reginae.
But is it really about the flower, or is it about self discovery and finding oneself, that it's never too late to let go of the familiar and follow ones passion and dreams.
The book follows Francis Masson, the known botanist and plant hunter, on his first trip to Africa, where he is sent by Sir Joseph Banks to find a Flower for the Queen.
Masson is thrust into this reluctantly and cluelessly and with little instructions and information.
When he arrives in Africa he is unsure what to do and after a faulty and rough start he is in an adventure that is dangerous and exciting at the same time, where he discovers what he wants to do and be.
Helping him find his way is the Swedish Naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg, described in the book more like Indiana Jones than a botanist.
They go on a journey in search of the flower, where there is danger from the wildlife, the local tribe and the competition.
And they meet Jane Sommers.
The book is full of real life characters, and the main facts are true as far as I can tell, except maybe for how long Masson was in Africa.
But the plot is fictional and so is the descriptions of the characters. And like any other fiction there are the fictional characters that help build the story.
I think I might have understood the obsession with the plants and the flowers if I had any interest in them.
But I didn't like the reason the author gave for Masson's hard work. This is the man who discovered almost 1700 new species, did he really do it for that?
I did however go on line and search the characters including James Cook and Carl Linnaeus. Something I really enjoy doing.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley.
But is it really about the flower, or is it about self discovery and finding oneself, that it's never too late to let go of the familiar and follow ones passion and dreams.
The book follows Francis Masson, the known botanist and plant hunter, on his first trip to Africa, where he is sent by Sir Joseph Banks to find a Flower for the Queen.
Masson is thrust into this reluctantly and cluelessly and with little instructions and information.
When he arrives in Africa he is unsure what to do and after a faulty and rough start he is in an adventure that is dangerous and exciting at the same time, where he discovers what he wants to do and be.
Helping him find his way is the Swedish Naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg, described in the book more like Indiana Jones than a botanist.
They go on a journey in search of the flower, where there is danger from the wildlife, the local tribe and the competition.
And they meet Jane Sommers.
The book is full of real life characters, and the main facts are true as far as I can tell, except maybe for how long Masson was in Africa.
But the plot is fictional and so is the descriptions of the characters. And like any other fiction there are the fictional characters that help build the story.
I think I might have understood the obsession with the plants and the flowers if I had any interest in them.
But I didn't like the reason the author gave for Masson's hard work. This is the man who discovered almost 1700 new species, did he really do it for that?
I did however go on line and search the characters including James Cook and Carl Linnaeus. Something I really enjoy doing.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley.
January 5, 2015
Thank you to Samantha Lien from JKS Communications as well as netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I thank NetGalley as well because I couldn't get on with the version that I received from Samantha due to its PDF formatso I downloaded a copy from NetGalley.
This books cover is absolutely beautiful and I can honestly say that it is the perfect introduction to an absolutely amazing book which is why I have given it 5 stars.
The book started with a bang which kept you wanting more, a man and his son racing home before a snow storm hits and their carriage hits someone. The father is quite happy to leave the person out in the cold and injured but the son insists on going to find him and take him home with them for him to re cooperate. Which is exactly what they do.
Although you don't know it at the time this man is in fact the person or at least one of the people that the story's about.
I found it interesting to read about the culture, beliefs and politics of the time, as well as what life was like in Africa.
The twist in the story around the Grandma of the family being the Woman from the story that the Old Man, Masson was telling them was really grate. This was grate because when he was saying about how he had spent the rest of his life travelling to try to find her because she was his true love you felt really sorry for him. But then when it came to pass that the Grandmother was her I felt he could finally be happy at last.
This story was a beautiful one of love, friendship, loyalty, family and adventure. I loved this book so much that there is no doubt that I will recommend it to other people as well as buy it as a gift for others.
This books cover is absolutely beautiful and I can honestly say that it is the perfect introduction to an absolutely amazing book which is why I have given it 5 stars.
The book started with a bang which kept you wanting more, a man and his son racing home before a snow storm hits and their carriage hits someone. The father is quite happy to leave the person out in the cold and injured but the son insists on going to find him and take him home with them for him to re cooperate. Which is exactly what they do.
Although you don't know it at the time this man is in fact the person or at least one of the people that the story's about.
I found it interesting to read about the culture, beliefs and politics of the time, as well as what life was like in Africa.
The twist in the story around the Grandma of the family being the Woman from the story that the Old Man, Masson was telling them was really grate. This was grate because when he was saying about how he had spent the rest of his life travelling to try to find her because she was his true love you felt really sorry for him. But then when it came to pass that the Grandmother was her I felt he could finally be happy at last.
This story was a beautiful one of love, friendship, loyalty, family and adventure. I loved this book so much that there is no doubt that I will recommend it to other people as well as buy it as a gift for others.
January 13, 2015
A Flower for the Queen is a lively adventure story about a young botanist who, through unusual circumstances, finds himself embarking on a voyage of discovery with Captain Cook. His job is to find a particular rare flower in Africa on behalf of the King and Queen. The story immediately drew me in with its fascinatingly real characters and unusual, intriguing plot. It is filled with twist after twist as the story weaves from one adventure to another.
The story is told through the eyes of an old man - it is is his own story and adventure of when he was young. He describes hazards and danger, the wilds of Africa, the famous personages who arranged for his voyage, and Captain Cook himself.
This was a very enjoyable story that kept my interest from start to finish. Multi-layered and very entertaining indeed.
The story is told through the eyes of an old man - it is is his own story and adventure of when he was young. He describes hazards and danger, the wilds of Africa, the famous personages who arranged for his voyage, and Captain Cook himself.
This was a very enjoyable story that kept my interest from start to finish. Multi-layered and very entertaining indeed.
September 23, 2015
A Flower for the Queen, or An Under-Gardener’s Adventure
An earnest under-gardener is thrust into a world of high adventure and intrigue when he is sent to South Africa on a secret mission to find the Strelitzia Reginae – a wondrous and rare flower that the king desires to present to his queen. A bit of a mixed bag in tone, the story is framed Princess Bride-like by an old narrator telling his life story. The mishaps and plot twists are almost comic, but the tone carries on with a straight face. The characters never came to life for me, and the plot twists are all nicely resolved. Some enjoyable descriptions of South Africa give the setting texture.
I’d give this 3.5 stars – worth reading if a friend left it behind on your coffee table, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to hunt this down.
An earnest under-gardener is thrust into a world of high adventure and intrigue when he is sent to South Africa on a secret mission to find the Strelitzia Reginae – a wondrous and rare flower that the king desires to present to his queen. A bit of a mixed bag in tone, the story is framed Princess Bride-like by an old narrator telling his life story. The mishaps and plot twists are almost comic, but the tone carries on with a straight face. The characters never came to life for me, and the plot twists are all nicely resolved. Some enjoyable descriptions of South Africa give the setting texture.
I’d give this 3.5 stars – worth reading if a friend left it behind on your coffee table, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to hunt this down.
October 14, 2014
It was a very nice story that starts out with a rescue of an old man and then the story of the old man's journey of how he got from one continent to another in order to find a particular flower for his majesty. It was engaging and had a lot of twists and turns that you really didn't see coming and a few well kept secrets. You like the family who'd rescued the old man, though at times you wanted to throttle the mother and you sympathized with the father and you enjoyed the antics of the kids. It was a very good read, so if you get a chance at some point pick up a copy. You just may enjoy it a lot.
August 25, 2015
Just finished this and I loved it. The book has a bit of everything...romance, exploration, intrigue, betrayal, bad guys, humour, bittersweet loss....great story that reads like a good fairy tale (think Princess Bride), but is based on factual characters and events. It did what I love books to do...let the real world fade away for a bit and drew me into a good adventure!
The historical aspects were well researched and descriptions of the flora and fauna of South Africa captured my interest. All in all, a very satisfying and fun read.
The author interview at the end of the book was enjoyable as well.
The historical aspects were well researched and descriptions of the flora and fauna of South Africa captured my interest. All in all, a very satisfying and fun read.
The author interview at the end of the book was enjoyable as well.
December 29, 2014
Young Francis Masson, an undergardener at Kew, through a series of unfortunate events, is tapped to journey to South Africa. His mission: re-find a flower that Sir Joseph Banks wants to name for the Queen.
More on my blog, including the moment when I knew I was in good hands, botanically, with this novel: A Flower for the Queen
More on my blog, including the moment when I knew I was in good hands, botanically, with this novel: A Flower for the Queen
September 11, 2015
A wonderful 18th Century adventure and tale of an English under-gardener who goes on a search in South Africa for a plant to be given to the Queen.
It never fails to amaze me the rigors and sacrifices made by those early pioneers and scientists.
This story includes historical figures like Captain Cook and Linnaeus, as well as the botanists who followed. Such an interesting and enjoyable read!
It never fails to amaze me the rigors and sacrifices made by those early pioneers and scientists.
This story includes historical figures like Captain Cook and Linnaeus, as well as the botanists who followed. Such an interesting and enjoyable read!
October 31, 2014
This was an interesting historical novel telling about a botanist and his adventure to Africa in search of a flower, that no one has seen in his country but has been seen in a faraway country --- the King wanted the flower for his Queen. And, was the cost of it worth it? And is this how other flowers were brought to the world? Very entertaining! Well worth the read!
October 21, 2015
An exciting adventure of a gardener of the 1700's sent on a mission to South Africa to search for a rare orange blossom, meeting plant hunters and an eccentric botanist.
A great read!
I was given a digital copy by the publisher via Goodreads in return for an honest unbiased review.
A great read!
I was given a digital copy by the publisher via Goodreads in return for an honest unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews