*A reflection for the 'My Favorite Book' column

Recently, a question has circulated on social media: "What if my entire life isn't vibrant?". Some respond with profound philosophies, while others choose to make light of it to dispel unease. Yet, I believe every life is inherently a flower. Not all flowers, however, bloom in the same way.

Roses bloom vividly but fade quickly. Wildflowers by the roadside, often overlooked, possess a tenacious resilience against the elements. A flower's value does not depend on its prominence but on its commitment to blooming fully in life.

If you ever feel lost in your own life, Valerie Perrin's "Fresh Water for Flowers" may offer a gentle balm for the soul.

The novel tells the story of Violette Toussaint, a cemetery keeper. Her profession often evokes thoughts of coldness, grief, and gloom. However, through Violette's narration, the cemetery emerges as surprisingly peaceful, a place that preserves memories, love, and untold stories. One realizes that the most frightening "ghosts" are often the living.

Born and raised in an orphanage, Violette moved between foster families only to be abandoned again. Ultimately, she escaped the orphanage to support herself before reaching adulthood. During those uncertain years, she met Philippe Toussaint, a handsome, strong young man who was the dream of many young women. Philippe chose Violette, giving her a home. In return, she bore the brunt of supporting their livelihood.

Violette later gave birth to Leonine. The little girl became a small sun, warming her mother's already wounded soul. Violette poured all her love and maternal instinct into raising her daughter, striving to become her best self. But when Leonine died in a summer camp accident, Violette's world collapsed.

While words exist for those who lose parents (orphans) or spouses (widows, widowers), no term describes the loss of a child. This is because such grief is too profound to be named. After this tragedy, Violette existed in a death-like state. She did not wail or blame. She drowned her sorrow in alcohol, but consistently fulfilled her duties like a machine operating on habit.

Then fate led her to Sasha H., the caretaker of the cemetery where Leonine rests. Violette had never visited this place, not even on the day of her daughter's burial, due to her overwhelming pain. It was from this encounter that her healing journey began.

The book was published in 2020 by Nha Nam in association with Hanoi Publishing House, translated by Nguyen Thi Tuoi. *Photo: Nha Nam*

With a gentle yet emotionally rich writing style, Valerie Perrin guides readers through the subtle shifts within the soul of a mother who lost her child, a wife who endured betrayal, and a woman who consistently maintained kindness amidst life's wreckage.

Violette teaches us that life is always present, in the everyday occurrences. Some losses cannot be forgotten, but people can learn to live with them. Sometimes, when there is nothing left to lose, one finds the freedom to start anew.

"Fresh Water for Flowers" does not create an absolute villain. Each character has wounds, reasons, and choices that shaped them into who they are. This does not justify mistakes, but reminds us that life is always more complex than simple judgments.

After all the suffering, Violette eventually found a peaceful haven with police chief Julien. This is perhaps the most beautiful message the book conveys: no matter how much life takes away, flowers will still bloom. Not because life is always easy, but because people possess the ability to resurrect from the deepest ruins.

The work harmoniously intertwines Violette's thoughts with the romantic story of Gabriel Prudent and Irene Fayolle. At times, the book even becomes suspenseful, like a detective novel, as Philippe searches for the true culprit behind his daughter's death.

With clear, accessible language, the book captivates readers from the main storyline to Violette's notes for each funeral and the opening chapter quotes. Every word feels impressively complete.

This is a book I read cover to cover in two days, and still occasionally revisit. I contemplate the sorrow, gain motivation, and realize that even if not vibrant, the flower of my life remains full of vitality.

Oanh Nguyen

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