THE INHERITANCE OF ORQUÍDEA DIVINA
Photo taken by Carmen Perez | @ Carmelita.87
Author: ZORAIDA CÓRDOVA 🟣 Fantasy 🟣 Published: Sept, 7th, 2021 🟣 My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ! 🟣 Review Date: Dec. 2nd, 2023
Witty and magical, this fantasy is captivating and refreshing take on an immigration story.
If you were to take Practical Magic, put an Ecuadorian matriarch at the center, and add Isabel Allende's charming writing style, you'd get The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova. This is my favorite book that I've read in 2023 so far!
Montoyas far and wide are invited by their beloved matriarch to attend her funeral and collect their inheritance. The Montoya clan is used to magical Orquídea Montoya's odd behaviors, but this invitation raises questions as they travel to the mysterious home of their past. What will they inherit and why is Orquídea so scared for her children and grandchildren?
This book has it all! Mystery, magic, romance, a multigenerational curse, tragedy, a mythical creature, and a wicked sense of humor. The ending had me crying like a baby. Córdova writes a fairytale that feels incredibly real because her characters are so likeable and vulnerable. Family, with all of its imperfections and triumphs, are at the heart of this book.
It was also lovely to read a book with characters described as "brown" skinned! The Spanish intertwined in the story, the unique experience of being born an American with a latino heritage, and latino folk magic made me feel right at home. It was a pleasant break from what I'm used to reading and @zoraidasolo has gained another life-long fan. She created a Spotify playlist ("Orquídea Songs") that she listened to while writing the book and some songs are from Shakira's original rockera era! Zoraida, we're friends on a first name basis now, okay?! 😂 Pick up the book, you won't regret it! Check my linktree in my bio!
Challenges:
Book 37 out of 100
2023 BeatTheBacklist - "Meant To Read It Last Year"
2023 Popsugar - "Meant to Read in 2022"
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