I met Phryne Fisher quite late in her career and I look forward to reading the long series that Kerry Greenwood has been writing since 1992. Queen of the Flowers is the fourteenth book in a series of fifteen, so it might be irresponsible for me to discuss it but I am sharing what I am reading and I read this, sorry.
I really enjoyed this book, which takes place in Melbourne, Australia in the late 1920s. This is a special treat for me because I love reading about a variety of settings and this was my first Australian mystery. The new (for me) setting meant it took me the first chapter or so to get into the language and rhythm of the writing, which in the end is quite lyrical and interesting (eg. Silence spread in pools like cold water, p. 40)
This book is driven by Phryne, she is a strong and fiery character who has liberated herself from practical and social constraints. Much like Jade Del Cameron, she is wealthy but generous, to the extent of opening her home to needy children and befriending her servants. I would say this is more of a character driven story than one supported by plot. The story was pretty good but it is the writing and the people that really make this book interesting and complex.
Greenwood manages to clearly communicate the heightened sexuality of Phryne without being explicit, allowing deeper character development without slipping into the romance genre. Some readers (OK, me) may be uncomfortable with Phryne’s relationship, which I think is crafted to demonstrate how unconventional the character is but instead lessons her integrity. Phryne’s man friend is married (to someone else) and she is his “concubine” accepted by his wife. Now, that seems less unconventional and more traditionally inequitable-you see this man is jealous and she is not allowed other boyfriends! This is a clumsy devise of the author to ensure that the reader does not root for Phryne’s marriage. Even with my mild annoyance at her relationship, Phryne is a character I look forward to following.
