Interesting Facts

Jonquils are a specific kind of daffodil called, Narcissus jonquilla. They are yellow in colour and very similar to daffodils. They have dark green tube-shaped leaves compared to other daffodils, which have flatter leaves. Jonquils usually have clusters of flowers instead of just one big flower and they have a strong scent, which is probably why Beattie described Andrea brining them into a show home. Most real estate agents burn candles, bake cookies, or  bring in strong-smelling flowers to make a home smell fresh or home-y.

The title, Janus refers to the Roman God of beginnings. He is an old Italian God who is often depicted with two faces and associated with new beginnings. There have also been some tales of Janus using his eyes to catch a nymph named Carna who liked to tease her suitors with sexual advances before suddenly leaving. He is also considered the guardian of Exits and Entrances and the belief was based off of that one must go through a door or gate to enter into a new place. The fact that it is two faced also means that it could see forward and back. All of this information directly relates to Beattie's character, Andrea because there are several times in the story where Beattie jumps from the past to the present and then the future, she also has the lover call Andrea two-faced and mentions lies, trickery, and deceit several times in the story. It's noticeable that Andrea needs to enter a new doorway in her life to become happy and have a new beginning. She sells new beginnings to new homebuyers and her lover offered her a new beginning, which she ultimately passed up.