Nov. 2025 Fiction Group Read --Fresh Water for Flowers, by Valerie Perrin > Likes and Comments

Here's the thread where we'll discuss all things related to our November Fiction group read of Fresh Water for Flowers, by Valerie Perrin. We'll officially start our read/discussion on Nov. 1.

I'm looking forward to this. Was able to snag it on Libby!

Sounds good, Terry! The book is now added to the bookshelf properly.

This read officially starts today!

While most of the authors represented in our Fiction group reads have written in English, Valerie Perrin is a French writer, born in the region of Burgundy in 1967 (she moved to Paris in the year that she turned 19). However, her works have been translated from French into some 30 languages, including English. She's a successful screenwriter and photographer in addition to her fiction writing. To date, she's written four novels; Fresh water for Flowers. published in 2018, was her second.

I will be starting this tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Terry wrote: "I will be starting this tomorrow. Looking forward to it."

I can't join in on this read myself (as usual, I have some other reading in hand), but I'm glad to see someone else join in! Hope you like the book.

I really, really want to read this. I have a copy which makes it that much easier!! It may be a week before I can get to it.

I have a copy on reserve in the library but have to wait for it, so I will try to join in hopefully later.

I plan on reading this book too. I have a copy, but am going to finish another book first. So, maybe in the next couple of days, I will get started.

Sounds good, everybody!

I finished this today. To sum up my review before I share, I think that Perrin's writing is gorgeous. The characters were nuanced and complex, and the themes touched upon were done so gracefully. However, I do think it drags it heels. There were parts that I felt went on for forever. But even with that, I think it's well worth a read. Of course, I think most books are worth a read, but I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I would have liked to have enjoyed it. Here's my review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I voted for this, but I have been waiting for a copy from my library for ages. I know they have it. There's still time, but I am beginning to lose hope that I'll get my hands on it in time.

Sorry to hear about the delay, KeenReader! But the discussion thread will stay open indefinitely, and we'll still be glad to hear your thoughts even if they're posted after Nov. 30.

Terry wrote: "I finished this today. To sum up my review before I share, I think that Perrin's writing is gorgeous. The characters were nuanced and complex, and the themes touched upon were done so gracefully. H..."

Terry. Great review. And I loved all the quotes.

I have just barely started. So far, I like the writing. And I like Violette.

Yes, I agree. Great and honest review Terry. I'm finally going to be getting my copy at the library tomorrow, so I will be jumping in soon.

Thanks you guys. I hope you enjoy it. The writing was quite beautiful.

I’m about 60 pages in and still getting my feel for the story. Violette is a unique character and I defiant to find out more about her. I am finding it’s a quick read. I’m also reading another book so I won’t fly through it.

I agree the writing is beautiful, Terry.

I had to put this aside in order to finish 2 library books. I should be able to get back to it and finish in December.

I am in the same boat with Terry on this one. Gorgeous, inventive writing but way too long. I don’t do well with infidelity either and with two cheating story lines was too much for me. I had very high expectations based on so many 5 star reviews. But I’ll hang out on outlier island.

Curious what you think Debra.

I like how the novel is very reflective, and quiet, and lyrical like a lot of you have mentioned, and I started out a pretty enthusiastic about the read, but that has tempered a bit. While the jury is out on how I feel about the book (I'm only just past page 200), it has a bleakness, and melancholy tone that is quite oppressive sometimes. I'm always glad these moments that I am a two or three book at a time reader; you always need books to balance out other books. I agree with your points, Lori, about infidelity being glossed over in novels like it is no big deal; I find that aggravating.

I'll be archiving this thread now; but it will stay open indefinitely for further comments!