The Secret Life of Sunflowers

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s portrayal of mental illness, death by suicide, and sexual assault.

Emsley visits Violet Velar, her grandmother, in the assisted living facility where she has lived since her recent stroke. Violet, an artist and New York socialite, commiserates with Emsley over her cheating boyfriend, Trey. Emsley and Trey have opened a business, an auction house specializing in Hollywood charity events. She has sent Trey to an important meeting in her place for two reasons: First, she’s in New York, and second, she suspects that the potential client—a male politician—sees it as an opportunity to make sexual advances to her.

During the visit, Emsley and Violet speak to Emsley’s parents in Florida via a video call. Emsley’s mother, Anna, chastises her for ending the relationship with Trey and makes clear that she sees the business venture as unwise. When Violet reveals to them both that she has sold her home, Anna is angry.

As Emsley leaves, Violet gives her a box of old letters and a diary. Emsley, claiming she has space only for the diary, leaves the letters for her next visit. Expecting the diary to recount Violet’s youth, Emsley begins reading it on the plane, only to discover that Violet is not the author.