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A review by book_concierge
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
3.0
Digital audiobook performed by Frankie Corzo
3.5***
From the book jacket:
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home – not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held on to so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed in a tree, her limbs stretching into roots and branches, leaving them with more questions than answers.
My reactions:
This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Part family saga, part paranormal horror, part fantasy, part historical fiction, part quest, part love story. I’m so grateful that there is a family tree in the beginning, as I referred to it several times to clarify relationships of Orquídea’s many descendants. (She was married five times!)
The story ultimately focuses on three of her grandchildren – Reymundo, Marimar and Tatinelly – and her great-granddaughter Rhiannon (daughter of Tatinelly). It is they, recognizing that the family is at danger from an other-worldly presence, who travel to Ecuador to discover the truth of Orquídea’s past.
I was fascinated by the story and greatly enjoyed the audiobook rendition performed by Frankie Corzo, who is a talented voice artist. But I think I need to re-read it to fully absorb the magic of Córdova’s storytelling.
3.5***
From the book jacket:
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home – not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held on to so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed in a tree, her limbs stretching into roots and branches, leaving them with more questions than answers.
My reactions:
This is unlike anything I’ve read before. Part family saga, part paranormal horror, part fantasy, part historical fiction, part quest, part love story. I’m so grateful that there is a family tree in the beginning, as I referred to it several times to clarify relationships of Orquídea’s many descendants. (She was married five times!)
The story ultimately focuses on three of her grandchildren – Reymundo, Marimar and Tatinelly – and her great-granddaughter Rhiannon (daughter of Tatinelly). It is they, recognizing that the family is at danger from an other-worldly presence, who travel to Ecuador to discover the truth of Orquídea’s past.
I was fascinated by the story and greatly enjoyed the audiobook rendition performed by Frankie Corzo, who is a talented voice artist. But I think I need to re-read it to fully absorb the magic of Córdova’s storytelling.