Don't Bring Me Flowers

The title is reminiscent of an everyday credence, and the story expands it into a philosophical doctrine that love is always better than hate. Amid this conflagration of theories is Nora Febles, a jovial young schoolteacher who falls in love with Adam Vandersten. The two meet while under the tragic circumstances of each having recently lost a parent. Their relationship becomes a brushfire of love and passion. But Nora's affability is soon under attack. Sara Botowy, who had a romance with Adam in the past, suddenly comes into the picture and tries to interfere by sending Nora hateful messages. The messages become a peculiar protagonist. They are sent with flowers, always beautiful and never the same.

One might say that the story presents an array of interesting and contrasting characters that seem to flawlessly connect with each other, probably the most subtle but notable trait of the novel. Nora's friend, Eva Sulles, is the cynical schoolteacher, at opposite ends with her best and congenial friend. Tom, Nora's father, is the modern virtuous father and gentleman, capable of exercising prudence like no one else. Adam, who becomes Nora's husband, is your everyday working young man who is catapulted into the very serious task of looking after his wife when she becomes dangerously ill, a task that he performs with flying colors. Sara is the unforgiving, possessive former lover who refuses to let go but who is, after all, capable of understanding and waiving into eternal happiness.

A dramatic story with a traumatic end where no passion is spared and questions of faith are raised even in the most skeptical minds. Life ends only for the unwilling and love always prevails.