The Orchid House: A Novel [Paperback]

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Orchid House: A Novel [Paperback]

Product Details

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Atria Books; Original edition (February 14, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451655789
ISBN-13: 978-1451655780
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

By : Lucinda Riley
List Price : ~~$15.00~~
Price : $10.20
You Save : $4.80 (32%)

Customer Reviews

What an incredibly beautiful story. The lyrical language caught me from the very beginning. Lucinda Riley's novel is impressive, weaving together a tale that spans decades and continents.
Julia, at first, is not the most likable character; she is too lost in her depression, the cause of which you do not know for a while, to be too understandable, at least to someone lacking such an experience. She is actually rather rude to her well meaning family members, pushing away those that would help. But, as she becomes enthralled by the glimpses into the past, she begins to open up, like an orchid perhaps, revealing the bright spirit underneath.
Riley's novel champions love. She definitely seems to believe that real love is out there. However, she also clearly knows that love does not always win out. In fact, love may lose more often than not. Many romances end in tragedy, due to bad timing or a lack of reciprocation. She points out too how passion can blind one, and that love might be more calm than exciting. The variations of love felt by the characters is touching and inspirational and sad.
The historical fiction sections were completely fascinating, not that the modern ones were not. I know absolutely nothing about the WWII occurrences in Thailand. My favorite thing about historical fiction is learning things I previously didn't know. I may need to research this. Also, I now really want to go to Thailand and swim in the ocean.
If you like well-written fiction, do not miss this. Also, this might appeal to Downton Abbey fans.

I love a good book and The Orchid house certainly does not disappoint.
The main part of the story is set in Norfolk, England, which is where some of my family are from and so to read about familiar places described so accuratley is wonderful. I literally buried myself between the covers and could see the characters living before my eyes. Also visited are France and Thailand which I have not been lucky enough to visit, but the author transports you to a time and place with great ease and although I don't know the areas, I can certainly envisage the different colours, cultures, smells etc. I was very upset when I got to the end as it was a book that I could just not put down.
It is a book similar to those by Kate Morton, where the reader is transported back in time and told of unearthed secrets. They will keep you guessing that is for sure, right until the end.
The characters are told with such love you would think the author knew them! I certainly fell in love with Kit - if only he existed! Lucinda writes in such a beautiful way and the twists are so cleverly laid out.
If you are a fan of the House of Riveton, Forgotten Garden and even if you enjoy Downton Abbey, you will love this.