Orchid Child

By: Victoria Costello

Narrated by: Melissa Kay Benson

In this enchanted family saga, Kate is a neuroscientist who reveres logic and order, unless she’s sleeping with her married lab director and then logic goes out the window. So does Kate’s orderly life in Manhattan after she takes the fall for their affair and Kate’s mother presses her to accept responsibility for her nephew, Teague, an orchid child who hears voices and talks to trees but rarely people.

To salvage her career, Kate agrees to conduct a study in West Ireland where hostile townsfolk rebuff her probe of their historically high rate of schizophrenia, and a local chief Druid identifies Teague’s odd perceptions as the gift of second sight, thrusting a bewildered Kate on a trail of madness, magic, and armed rebellion that leads to her own grandparents, who, she learns, were banished as traitors from the same town.

When a confrontation with the local chief Druid endangers Teague’s life, Kate arrives at the crossroads of ancient Celtic mysticism and 21st-century neurodiversity, where the act of witnessing old wounds can heal suffering in the past and present... even hers, if she can accept the limits of science and the power of ancestral ties.

Orchid Child is 96000 words. Global Print and ebook publisher of Orchid Child is Between the Lines Publishing who will release it on June 13, 2023.

©2023 Victoria Costello (P)2023 Victoria Costello

Orchid Child opens windows into our souls

Engaging narrative of fully drawn characters that pulled me into this fascinating story of generational struggles. Following the family and the study of schizophrenia in Ballymor Ireland was a sensitive and personal ride and holds helpful knowledge for all.

Very original and compelling story line with great narration!

I usually listen to audiobooks during the 30 to 60 minutes that I am falling asleep. This book has so much granular detail, with very articulate writing, that I had to change things up a little bit and listen during the morning and daytime when I was fully awake. This is such an original story, yet based on true events, that it really stands out and I can recommend it to anyone who has even a passing interest in family legacy, Ireland and/or psychology.