Avon Books, 1992; 2003
ISBN-10: 0-380-76132-7
ISBN-13: 978-0380761326
Flowers From the Storm
He’s the Duke of Jervaulx…powerful, rich, intelligent and locked in a lunatic asylum.
Discuss this bookSetting:
England, early 19th century
Mascot Animal:
Cass and Devil, a pair of setters, and a ghostly wolfhound
Laura's Comment:
Hmmm, what to say about Flowers From the Storm? Sometimes the muse rocks. The odd tidbit of original inspiration for Flowers came from a great-aunt of mine. When I was fairly young—7 or 8?—she suffered a stroke and lost the ability to speak. My grandmother, her sister, brought her to live at home for the next ten years. She would come up behind us kids and grab our hair or our arm, pinch so hard that it hurt, and say “No, no, no, no!” I thought she was nuts. Forgive me, I was young and afraid of her. My grandmother always insisted that she could understand what was said to her, and stood by her to the end.
Many years later, many—out of nowhere, the thought came to me that my grandmother had been right. That my great-aunt had been trapped behind a wall. It was a stunning realization.
I spent a fascinating period researching brain damage while writing Flowers from the Storm. Yes, for all those who’ve guessed or wondered, Christian suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. A one-time bleeding in the brain caused by a malformed blood vessel. He never had another one, I promise. I deliberately made him left-handed because left-handers have an atypical layout of speech centers in the brain, and often recover better from aphasic injuries.
One of the many strange and wonderful facts I stumbled across in my research on the brain: Did you know that sailors who spend long periods at sea, away from their wives, have a higher-than-normal percentage of left-handed children? Explain that one.
Recognition:
Romance Writers of America Golden Choice Award— Finalist, Best Romance Novel of 1992
Laura's Fave Review:
“If you want to read a book that comes as close to perfection as any historical romance, then pick up Flowers from the Storm. The story, the language, the emotional intensity: this book has everything. It’s Laura Kinsale at the top of her game - or anybody else’s, for that matter.” All About Romance
(I often wonder if I actually wrote that book or if it wrote itself while I was reading all those medical texts! LK)
Old Covers:
C’mon. I dare you to resist that eloquent beckoning hand and grocery store bouquet.
[1] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.07.2010
Please feel welcome to discuss this book. All opinions are welcome, positive or negative, but civility and polite language are required for comments to remain. Political or religious references are not allowed, unless directly related to the book under discussion. I do answer questions but I seldom give interpretations about my books or characters, because I enjoy hearing what readers see in them. These comments and discussions replace my old forum at The Terrace. (Note that the spam captcha is an english word interspersed with a number—this may help you tell a letter from a number. If it’s still too hard to see, reload the page for another one.) WARNING: Book discussions may contain spoilers.
[2] Posted by Erin Thompson on 01.07.2010
I am a bookseller at Borders. I just wanted you to know that I just did a staff pick display and I whenever I do those, Flowers From the Storm is my first choice. This book is one of my all time favorites. I don’t know how to describe how much I love this book. It showed me that Romance can be so much more.
Thank you, Laura, you rocked my cerebral world.
[3] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.08.2010
Erin, thanks so much. It means so much to me that this book has been ‘loved’ by readers over the years. It doesn’t really feel as if it belongs to me, but to all the people who have enjoyed it and remembered it.
[4] Posted by Patricia Whitaker on 01.10.2010
I am an avid reader. I read a book daily. I read Flowers From the Storm 4 times and each time was as heart wrenching as the first. I am reading it again and I can’t put it down. I seem to feel what they feel and cry when they cry. What a story. Thank you for writing it. I know I will read it again and again. I have told all my friends about you and they are now tuned in to your books.
Always a fan.
[5] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.10.2010
Wow, Patricia, a book a day! That is the best compliment for a writer, when a reader feels what the characters feel. Thank you for telling your friends, too.
[6] Posted by hilly on 01.15.2010
This is not an easy read - it’s difficult to understand Christian’s POV, because his muddled language skills baffle our brains as much as his! We need to be patient, as only in the smallest increments does his comprehension improve. It’s so worth the effort! We, like Maddy, are impressed with his determination as he regains the ability to communicate. This is one book that gets better every time you re-read it!
My favorite quote is actually with Wellington, when Christian retorts “Wrong fire”. I want to cheer!
[7] Posted by Susan on 01.16.2010
By this time I was a total fan, reading every word I could find anywhere about upcoming books to get a clue for your next book. When I read somewhere, in Laura Kinsale’s new book Flowers from the Storm the hero has a stroke; I was stunned for a minute. Really, I just paused for a minute thinking, and then I thought, it’s going to be great! As has been said before by many, it is one of the all time best books ever.
More left handed children is an interesting factoid.
[8] Posted by Kathy on 01.18.2010
After the fun of reading French Lessons, I went back and re-read Flowers from the Storm, my original copy with its fabulous Fabio-chested cover (requiring discreet book-folding in public). I had forgotten the heroine soft but direct voice, the real tension and suspense around the hero’s recovery, and the great cast of secondary characters, who put the hero and heroine in sharp relief. I’m glad the new novels helps re-issue all our previous fave’s. And new reads can get the discreet pretty lilac covers—but I’ll keep Fabio, just to prove I was one of your early adopters!
[9] Posted by Fao on 01.19.2010
Of course, this book is my all-time favourite. So much so that I repeatedly said it to my family and friends and now, I find myself translating it bit by bit into French so my sister and best friend can “read” it, too. But I’m not sure I’ll be able to express Laura’s genious with words (sigh!)
[10] Posted by Joey on 01.21.2010
The first time I read Flowers From the Storm (in ‘98), our son was in a coma. Each day when I sat by his bedside at the hospital we watched for signs that he ‘was in there’. On the weekends, when time was not as limited, I sat with him - reading a book while he ‘listened’ to books on tape or music through headphones. Researching brain injury, I discovered many of the things you touched on in Christian’s story - such as not recognizing the side of the body affected by the injury - dressing only one side of the body (they really don’t ‘recognize’ the opposite side). At the time, it was profound and comforting as well to read a story (albeit fiction) of how it might be for our boy should he recover - to get an idea of how things would seem through his eyes/reasoning should he ‘wake up’. I was learning more about trauma to the brain and at the same time, enjoying a beautiful love story. Of course, that was the first time I read the book - I’ve read it twice since and each time it carries a personal message. Thank you, Laura Kinsale.
[11] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.21.2010
Joey, thank you. Your post means a great deal to me. Thank you for writing it.
[12] Posted by Beatriz Williams on 01.22.2010
“C’mon. I dare you to resist that eloquent beckoning hand and grocery store bouquet.”
LOL!! Seriously, though, this is about the only “reformed rake” story out there that rings true. In the real world, a philanderer doesn’t reform just because he’s met the so-called right woman (paging Mrs. Tiger Woods); it would take something as world-shattering as a stroke to re-orient his mental and emotional compass to genuine fidelity. Christian’s journey to redemption is nuanced and believable, and Maddy’s moral agony achieves the near-impossible in romance: making a pious heroine sympathetic.
Also, Christian is way hot. More geniuses, please.
[13] Posted by Ash H. on 01.22.2010
I picked this book up few years ago randomly at B&N. Even more random was the occurrence since I donot usualy read romance novels. And what a delightful surprise. For a classic reader like me, it was sort of a jolt. I thought, guess what, I would need to start looking at other ‘so called’ romance writers, one never knows what a jem might be hiding there. Since then I have read all of LK’s book, atleast the published ones. But, this one will forever remain my favourite of hers.
[14] Posted by CM on 01.24.2010
Flowers in the Storm was the first book by you that I read. As Patricia stated on 1/10/10, I was able to feel what Christian felt. This made rading the book difficult because it was emotionally exhausting. However, it is one of my very all time favorite books. I always look forward to finding one I do not have, and am looking forward to French Lessons.
Thank you for writing books that are unique and wonderful.
CM
[15] Posted by Caitlyn on 01.27.2010
I gave this book to my mother for Christmas. She is wary, but starting it today, and I’m certain she will love it. I think any reader who is expecting a formulaic or cheesy, historically inaccurate, typical romance, is in for a huge surprise the minute they pick this one up. It truly transcends the genre and takes romantic storytelling to a whole new level.
I am so thrilled you are writing again! I’ve been desperately seeking out all your oldies, with some difficulty I might add, and was saddened by the idea of getting to the end of the pile… I can’t wait to pick up Lessons in French!
:)
[16] Posted by Dishonor on 01.27.2010
Flowers has long been my very favorite romance novel. Christian and Maddy, perhaps not the best of people on their own, are perfect as a pair; they fit together like puzzle pieces whose ragged edges fill each other out. There is the sense always of the eloquence of their story, which melds beautifully with the lean, elegant prose. Watching Maddy and Christian learn and grow while remaining true to themselves is simply…incredible.
I’m so glad you’re writing again. We’ve missed you!
By the way, is Christian influenced in any way by Evariste Galois, the 20 year old mathematical genius who was killed in a duel the day after he crafted his famous proof (which indicated that there are no general equations for polynomials above degree 4)?
[17] Posted by Dawn on 01.29.2010
I read this book after reading a recommendation by Diana Gabaldon, one of my favorite authors. I was in no way disappointed. Christian was my first experience with a disabled hero. He was truely flawed and his recovery and personal growth were wonderful. Maddy was conflicted, innocent and intelligent. I loved her moral compass which helped Christian find his. I’m going out to buy the rest of your books (as soon as it stops snowing!).
[18] Posted by Vikki Johnson on 02.05.2010
All of Laura Kinsale’s books are my favorites, her heroes usually tormented by inner and outer demons, but this hero was tormented by the physiological episode that left him “buffle-headed”. I felt that I could not breathe when he could not. I felt like screaming in frustration when no one could understand him. I wanted to beat the “ape” bloody senseless when he smashed him with a rod to get him into the tub of freezing water. But more—oh, far more—I felt like rejoicing when he got Churchill in his pocket. When he wept over his daughter. When he saw the legendary hound… and many other times too numerous to put here.
I loved this so much that when my husband—who reads even more than I do—asked me to suggest a good fictional novel to break the monotony of his college cirriculum, I reccommended this one. Since he is a pyschology major, I figured it would appeal to him. And it did. He carried it with him whenever he left the house until he was finished, unmindful of bare-chested Fabio on the cover. Afterward, he told me that he understood why Laura Kinsale is my all-time favorite author. She is a master storyteller.
If a historical romance can win over a man… wow. That’s great writing!
[19] Posted by Meanne on 02.08.2010
I had always been an avid romance reader in my early teens, twenties and thirties but for one reason or the other ( which escapes me at this point ), I went on a 10 year hiatus of not reading these kind of books. One serendipitous day, I found myself in the romance section of a bookstore. I think nostalgia brought me there. And this book beckoned to me ( No, it was not the Fabio cover, but the new one that spoke to me…). Hmmm, I wonder what romance novels are like these days, I thought to myself. After buying this book, I went home to read it. Little did I know that this book would open the door once again to my romance reading addiction. I felt quite stunned while reading this book and felt that the quality and poignancy of romance novels have improved by leaps and bounds. Since then I tried my best to make up for lost time by devouring Laura Kinsale’s backlist and discovering other new to me fabulous authors like Connie Brockway, Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Loretta Chase, Georgette Heyer etc…Thank you Laura Kinsale for your wonderful talent and for being instrumental in bringing me back to the fold…No matter how many other fantastic books I have read in the past, and will read in the future, FLowers From The Storm will always have a special, indelible place in my heart..
[20] Posted by Sonia Lima on 02.13.2010
Hello Laura, I’m your fan from Lisbon, Portugal.
I’m reading “Flowers from the storm” for the 4th time and I felt I had to congratulate the talented writer of my all time favourite book…a book that truly takes me away to a whole different world and it seems each time I read it, it has whole new details and new outlines I didn’t know about.
I absolutely love it.
“Flowers from the storm” was my premiere in romance reading and since then I’ve been addicted to your books.
Thank you for the wonderful book and thank you for the marvelous love story, so perfect and beautiful…in summary, thank you for your enormous talent.
[21] Posted by Hannah on 02.17.2010
I have been reading romance novels since I was a teenager. Over the years I have gathered favorite authors and will often pick up their books based on name alone, without reading an excerpt. Laura Kinsale has been added to this list. This book had me caught from the first page, I could not put this book down, it drove my husband crazy. I read the book in 3 days. I had to catch up on laundry, mail and make nice with my family for disappearing for those 3 days. If you havent read this book, GO GET IT! Be forewarned, this novel will captivate you.
[22] Posted by laura kinsale on 02.18.2010
I’ve been traveling and mostly offline, so I haven’t been able to respond individually, but thank you all for your very kind words. I love it when readers can’t put a book down. That makes it all worthwhile.
Welcome from Lisbon, Sonia. Portugal is a country I’d like to visit someday!
[23] Posted by Judy Martinez on 02.23.2010
Hello Laura!
I’ve been meaning to read your books for a couple of years now, and just never had the chance to get to it for one reason or another. I found out about “Flowers From the Storm” from other authors and have seen that its always on the 100 list for best romance novel of all time. I finally decided to get to your books and read “Lessons in French” first (which I just adored, by the way!) and I finally got FFTS from the library. It was UH-MAZING! I loved the unconventionality of the characters and situations. Thought it was very fascinating the dynamics between hero and heroine, also the journey of co-dependency to love on both sides. Very realistic and heart-wrenching. And I personally felt the frustration that Christian went through every time he realized that what had come easy to him, won’t be easy ever again. It’s very difficult to live with a disability in a world that isn’t adaptable for people outside of the norm and needing the patience and understanding from the people who might not have those to give.
Thank you so much for the wonderful read and sharing the journey of true love.
[24] Posted by Heather on 03.03.2010
I saw on the news not long ago that there have been studies showing that women who are under stress during their pregnancy tend to have a higher chance of having a left-handed child. I would imagine women whose husbands are away at sea are more likely to be stressed out. Interesting.
I have read a few of your books in the last month and have loved them. I just finished “Flowers from the Storm” and didn’t want it to be over. I really enjoy how you expose the darkness in all of your leading men. A bad boy is more interesting, as long as he is good to his woman. :-)
[25] Posted by laura kinsale on 03.03.2010
Heather, that’s an interesting correlation and very likely right! Thank you, I’m glad you enjoy my books.
[26] Posted by rubi on 03.12.2010
I’m on page 254, this is my first LK book..i gotta tell you its a hard read, not the subject matter so far, but the read. I want to put it down, but something compels me to continue, like a looking at a car crash but different. after reading all these comments, i can’t wait to finish..Maddy just received the letter from Gill telling her to stick with Shev…..can’t wait
Kathy 01.18.2010 I was a huge fan of Fabio, wish i saw that cover
[27] Posted by eKathy28 on 03.13.2010
I can only agree with the readers here who found this book gripping and ultimately exhilerating. There literally was a sense of tensing up all over my body as Christian tried to communicate, the exhaustion others have mentioned as his frustration mounts. But one of my favorite scenes is with his dragon relative who tells Maddy that if she goes back to her Quaker lifestyle she will continue to do only tiny little good things when as a Duchess she could really accomplish good for many. What a lesson from such an ornery character. The Laura Kinsale marathon continues!
[28] Posted by rubi on 03.13.2010
im starting to like the dragon..she just arrived and wants a baby, i think he might be thinking to blot something with a ghost..maybe?? can’t wait to find out,on page 343 but can’t read today, have to clean for company…something always getting in the way of reading. man my life..lol
