Peonies are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and it’s no wonder why. They’re absolutely beautiful, with their big, fluffy blooms in a variety of colors. If you’re looking for the best books about peonies, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. “The Peony Pavilion” by Tang Xianzu
This classic Chinese opera tells the story of Du Liniang, a young woman who falls in love with a man she’s never met. When she dies of a broken heart, her ghost is able to visit her love in a dream, and the two are finally able to be together. The story is beautiful and tragic, and the peony is used as a symbol of love and beauty throughout.
2. “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
This novel follows the story of a young woman, Victoria, who has a gift for understanding the language of flowers. She uses her gift to help others, but when she tries to help herself, she discovers that the past is not so easily forgotten. The book is a moving story about love, loss, and redemption, and the peony is used as a symbol of hope.
3. “The Secret Language of Flowers” by Julia Roberts
This book is a collection of short stories that all feature different vegetables, fruits, and flowers. In the story featuring the peony, a young woman is trying to find the perfect gift for her mother. She finally settles on a peony, but she’s not sure what the meaning of the flower is. She asks her grandmother, who tells her the story of a young woman who was given a peony by a man she loved. The young woman died before she could find out the meaning of the flower, but her grandmother tells her that the peony represents love and beauty.
4. “The Flowers of War” by Gail Tsukiyama
This historical fiction novel is set in Nanjing, China during the Japanese occupation in 1937. It tells the story of a group of women who take refuge in a Catholic church during the massacre. The women are from all walks of life, and they come together to try and survive the violence. The peony is used as a symbol of the hope and resilience of the human spirit.
5. “The Peony’s Promise” by Beverly Lewis
This book is a collection of essays about the peony, its history, and its meaning. Lewis explores the different ways that the peony has been used throughout history, from its place in art and literature to its use in traditional Chinese medicine. She also includes a number of recipes that feature peonies, as well as a section on how to grow and care for them.