Reviews

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

fl0ralaura's review against another edition

3.0

I think closer to 3.75. I loved the writing and the distinct narrative voices of the characters. However, I had some pacing issues especially towards the middle. I think I’m not cut for large-ish time jumps as a reader, that is more of personal preference. I also found myself more interested in Orquídea’s timeline than the present one, even if I did enjoy the characters. There is something about “little kid whose wise beyond their years” that, when done well, is very enjoyable for me. The whole “tracing our history and traumas through our grandmothers past” was a fun story and a great way of exploring generational trauma. There is also something about visual elements to books (the ceiba tree, the hummingbirds, the city if Guayaquil) that I also loved and enjoyed. Overall, I did enjoy it! Also, the title “Bastard Daughter of the Waves” is just incredible! Naming the rooster “Gabo” was also a nice touch

priscillatorres's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective

4.0

katpavlikova's review against another edition

3.0

Začátek knihy je velmi magicky podmanivý, ale jak se dostáváte dál, to kouzlo trochu vyprchává. Aspoň pro mě.

Není to špatná věc, pokud vás láká čtení o obr velkých rodinách a rodinných vztazích, taškařicích a takovém tom šumu plného baráku, mohlo by vás to bavit. Obzvlášť když toto v sobě nese prvky kultury Ekvádoru a stopy magického realismu.

diredreamings's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

sharon333's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

About the first hundred pages felt really slow to me and I couldn't keep the family members straight. I almost gave up but then it started to pick up, and I'm really glad I kept going. It felt like the story unfolded like a flower. Mystery and magic, tragedy and healing all woven together.

lynndeeslibrary's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

read_y_picker's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sweetpealovey's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book. Wow. I wish I could place every word of it onto my tongue and savor it all as it melts. That’s the only thing I can say, minutes after I put it down after reading the last words. Córdova has such a way with words. Everything felt so magical and odd and beautiful. 

It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I hit my stride, it was over. I was invested in the secrets Orquídea kept from her family and the magic that was passed to her grandchildren. Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon have my heart, they’re such wonderful characters. The way their magic was presented as flowers was so good, especially when Marimar finally accepted and delved into her own magic. What a beautiful, stunning moment to read. 

The mystery behind how Orquídea received her magic had me invested, as well as the secret parentage of Marimar. I was guessing throughout the whole book! This was such a powerful book about family, generational trauma, and love. I know I will be thinking about it for a while. 

caitief's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

kristiebeeler's review against another edition

4.0

June book club book