Well that was super sad! My first thoughts upon finishing were that I didn't really like it that much. Maybe it was just because of the subject matter. This was a bookclub pick, which makes me delve a little deeper than I might only reading on my own. Jotting down some thoughts before the bookclub discussion ...

3rd person/present tense ... I was always aware of the tense, it felt awkward (if the writing is really good, I won't notice it). It alternated between Maggie and Elodie for the POV, although Elodie's chapters don't begin until Part2/Chapter 12 ... 

It started with a prologue (1950) then Chaper1 started two years earlier. I had to wonder WHY this little futuristic glimpse was given. It didn't add anything for me, in fact distracted, it was a spoiler ... I already knew what was coming.  The prologue had a little bit of history, but then the dinner/labor (which happens again in Chapter 11 ... Maman makes the same statement, but then the accounts are a little different). The setup annoyed me. 

Seeds/Garden Growth theme ... little tidbits at the start. The headings for the different  parts ... 1. Controlling Weeds 2. Transplanting Out of Season  3. The Families of Flowers   4.Planting

Sex - while not Harlequin or smut, it was a little more explicit than I was expecting. Did the rape really add anything (other than more tragedy?) The father's affair? Some interesting thoughts on the father/mother relationship (not really like each other, but lust ...)

ProFanity x6

No discussion questions included - but some good ones in the QUESTIONS on Goodreads.

Originally a stand alone - now there is a sequel/companion  (Maggie's son, and Elodie)