The Orchid House by Kate Zambreno is the latest release from the author herself a former book editor. Zambreno is best known for her non-fiction novels but this is one that promises to be just as interesting as her other work. Set in the magical world of Whatton Park this emotional story alternates between a small town in England during World War II and Thailand during the early years of post-war Thailand. Filled with lies and twists love and passion and ultimately reconciliation The Orchid House is both a lovely romantic and heartbreaking story. A great read this one will not disappoint.
While in Whatton Park Kate Zambreno sets The Orchid House near the heart of the town where a group of orphaned Chinese girls who lost their parents in the war are looking for a safe haven. They have recently been separated from their families when the war ended. In order to reunite with their families the girls have to escape the confines of their home and travel to a strange town called Whatton Park. Once there they meet another group of orphaned girls all of whom must survive their first day on their own. The girls eventually find out that they have a lot to learn about their surroundings and how to survive in it. Each girl in the group is unique and has her own life story to tell making them all truly unforgettable.
As I mentioned The Orchid House had some unique elements that make it stand out from all others. For starters it’s written in first-person and Zambreno utilizes first-person pronouns throughout the story. What this does is makes the story very real. Each character experiences the story in their own way which adds depth and richness to the story and makes it even more memorable.
