Today I am reviewing HotHouse Flower through TLC Book Tours. (I am provided with a copy of the book but am not compensated in any way for my honest review.)
About the book (from the publisher): HotHouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire is one woman’s journey from the modeling and advertising world of New York City to the rain forests of the Yucatan Peninsula. From the hot and steamy plant dealers in the Union Square Green Market, to the curanderos, herbalists and shamans of Southern Mexico.
Lila Nova is a 32-year-old adverting copywriter who lives alone in a plain white box of an apartment. Recovering from a heartbreaking divorce, Lila has a simple mantra: no pets, no plants, no people, no problems. But when she meets David Exley, a ruggedly handsome plant dealer, a country-sexual, as she calls him, her lonely life turns into something far more colorful. From the harsh streets of Manhattan to the verdant jungles of the Yucatan, Hothouse Flower is the story of a woman who travels beyond sense and comfort to find out what she really wants.
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My review: Lila, the protagonist, is a newly divorced woman living in Manhattan and working in the world of advertising, where she is increasingly disillusioned with what she sees. She discovers exotic plants through a plant dealer selling in Union Square and eventually meets Armand, the owner of a lush, tropical forest of a laundromat. Through these two meetings, she sets off on a journey of discovery that takes her from Manhattan to the rain forests of the Yucatan Peninsula.
There is a strong element of myth and magic in this novel. The author creates a myth centering around the powers of the 9 Plants of Desire. Obtaining these rare plants turns out to be the obsession of many and each chapter heading features a plant and its description. Characters like Armand and the people who reside in and around the jungle live in a world where the improbable becomes probable, the imagination soars and everyday life is full of magical thinking.
Lila herself is very interesting. Though sometimes I get impatient with her seeming naivete and the mistakes she makes in judgment, I also realize that she is indeed like all of us: flawed and vulnerable and searching for that elusive something that makes her whole. Her carefully created and somewhat narrow world is due for a shake-up and she has some growing up to do.
The descriptions of the plants and the jungles of the Yucatan are rich and filled with wonderful detail. I felt as if I was there, trudging through overgrown paths, the chattering sound of monkeys all around, sweating from the sweltering humidity.
This is a novel that requires a leap of imagination. If you read it with more than a smidgen of doubt or skepticism, you’ll have a hard time with the plot. I suggest you just go along for the ride and leave your ‘practical thinking’ behind. You just might be transported. Margot Berwin is to be commended for creating this magical world in her debut novel.
The publishers have graciously offered a free copy of this novel for one lucky commenter on this post. Just leave a comment! I will contact the winner and pass along his/her address to the publisher. You must be a resident of the United States or Canada. I will pick a winner on September 2nd.
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About Margot Berwin: MARGOT BERWIN won a merit scholarship for creative writing from the New School and earned her MFA in 2005. Her stories have appeared on Nerve.com, essaysandfictions.com, The New York Press, and in the Anthology The Future of Misbehavior. She lives in New York City.
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In a totally different vein: Congratulations to Jim Parsons, a student of mine in the MFA Acting Program at USD/The Old Globe as well as a good friend, for winning the Emmy for his work as Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory!!!! I am so proud, I can’t stand it!
Oooh, that book looks like a good read. I love a book that transports me to another place. I’ve been reading like crazy this past month (and not getting enough sleep!) but I do love a good read.
Oh, and a big congrats to your friend Jim on his Emmy!!! You must be so incredibly proud of him.
Hugs,
Jill
I love flowers and gardens … and Big Bang Theory is my favorite show!
undermyappletree at gmail dot com
What a thorough well written review-
This novel seems to have a hint Of Eat, Pray, and Love in it-
Laura
White Spray Paint
I read that book over the summer at the lake. I’m a fan of magical realism, and I liked the book. It reminded me a lot of Alice Hoffman. I would say it’s an easy read, perfect for the beach.
xo
~Molly
The book soounds interesting. Your description makes me want to read it, Claudia.
As for Jim Parsons winning the Emmy, it was probably because he had such a great teacher! He is so much fun to watch.
Hi There!
I want to thank you so much for this review. It was a great piece to wake up to this morning, as is your blog, which I’m reading now and loving!
I hope you all like the book. If anyone wants to connect about Hothouse or publishing in general, you can reach me through facebook. I’d love to hear from you.
Have fun in the Hothouse!
Margot Berwin
Author
Hothouse Flower and the nine plants of desire.
Hothouse Flower sounds lovely and intriguing. I will definitely put it on my “to read” list.
I was super happy to see Jim Parsons win his Emmy as our family just loves The Big Bang Theory, and who can resist Jim’s character, Sheldon?
Hi Claudia! I haven’t been here forever! please forgive me!! how have you been??
and thanks for that book review – I read one novel a week – that’s all I can take, or my brain goes into writing over-drive (I tend to write more when I am reading too!)
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
:) I saw that Jim Parsons won! It is such a great character and will be a lasting one!
How cool I was just going to post about things to read! I am looking for new ones and striking out! I would love to win this one!
Hugs, Lisa
Well, I do love plants! Can’t imagine myself trudging through a forest with monkeys. But a good writer can certainly transport you there. You write such great reviews, Claudia. Seems second nature.
Brenda
You know Sheldon? How cool is that?!! I think he is so funny and do enjoy the show when I catch it.
Thanks for the book reviews. I bet it is fun to read books you might not otherwise choose for yourself.
This book sounds
like a wonderful
contrast: from
city to jungle!
Based on your review,
I think it is one
that I would love….
not that I’m hinting
or anything {ha ha}!
Thank you for the
opportunity to win it.
xx Suzanne
This does look like a great read. And by the way, I love the font here now.
It sounds like a lovely book, but I have a few towering stacks that call to me already. ;) Good review!
Exotic plants and a love story too. Count me in for the giveaway!
Hi There~
I just stumbled into your blog from Jill’s (Little Nest Studio) because of the sampler you mentioned in your comment to her, I had to come see what it’s about! It’s so pretty, it’ll be beautiful once it’s complete! And I was in time to enter your giveaway, yay!
Please throw my name in the hat!
Now I’m off to read more of your blog and go check out those samplers, have a wonderful day!
Lisa
I had to come back and comment when I read you wanted more comments on the book giveaway. I try not to do too many giveaways- don’t want to be greedy- but I love to read and I love books that transport you and inspires creativity. Thank you Claudia!
I love a good book. Sounds like it’s a good read.
~Michelle
Oh Claudia Sweetie…
Please throw my name into the drawing. I love reading and does this ever sound good to me. How could anyone so no to a free book. And a good one it appears at that. You can find me most anytime in a corner here at Country Wings in Phoenix, snuggled with a good book. Yes, it is my weakness. I love, love to read.
Hope you are well sweetie. I am praying for your sweet Moma. She needs prayers and a little HOPE back in her life. I am also praying for your sweet Daddy. He is lost without her, and he needs a little reassurance that everything will be okay. Please let him know that he is in my prayers too.
Have a beautiful day sweetie. Country hugs and so much love, Sherry
My heart felt thoughts of Positive Energy are being sent to you and your folks. Life isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes strong stuff.
I absolutely love reading. Though I
“read . . . . with more than a smidgen of doubt {&} skepticism,”
so let me enter your book giveaway with my promise it read it cover to cover and let you know what I think.
AND, I will pass-it-along.
Hugs & ♥♥♥s,
Gerry
Thanks for the great review – I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book so much! I’ve been wanting to read it myself since I met Margot at a book festival last year … hopefully I’ll get a chance to pick it up soon. Thanks for being a part of the tour!
I am always up for a good book to read. Thanks friend. hugs♥olive
This sounds like the type of book I would become obsorbed in and lose all sight of everything else…count me in!!!
Thank you,
Susie
This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading! Please enter me in the giveaway!
Would love to be entered in your giveaway. Thanks!