We're not talking about the sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g type of love when it comes to Flora and Ulysses. Nope, we're talking the friends and family variety. With Ulysses and Flora, we see a true blue friendship grow, and with Flora and her dad, we see mutual understanding emerge that lead to Flora recognizing that her dad has always adored her. And then there's Flora's mom. She's not one for the warm and fuzzies, especially for a romance novelist, but she still has her own way of showing Flora love, even if it's not until the end.
In other words, it's not always easy to see, but love is definitely in the air in this book.
Questions About Love
- Do you think Flora's mom could have showed her more love? Is Flora too sensitive to how her mom treats her, or is she valid in thinking her mom doesn't want her around?
- How come Flora doesn't know her dad is sad about leaving her? Why is it a surprise to her that her dad has a big heart?
- Why doesn't Flora tell Ulysses that she loves him right away? What does this tell us about her idea of love?
- How does Flora's relationship with her parents compare to William's relationship with his mom? Does his mom love him?
Chew on This
Love is tricky for Flora to understand or feel, which is why she thinks no one around her really loves her.
Even though Flora's mom goes about showing it in the wrong way, it's clear that she loves her daughter.