R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 7/26/2013 + 1453 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Researching and writing about the John Laroche, orchid thief and more, the author adds history about other thieves, orchids, Seminole life, and much about the beautiful Fakahatchee Strand. A mercurial character, Laroche considers himself more intelligent than most men. He loves orchids and searches them out wherever he can find them, primarily in Fakahatchee where he hikes about looking for the elusive ghost orchid and something that no one else has discovered. As the story begins he is being prosecuted for stealing orchids and other plants from the Fakahatchee.

As the author encounters other orchid growers, collectors and lovers she finds herself drawn ever closer to the background of orchids and those who love it. Original orchids were plucked from the wild but cloning and reproduction of modern orchids has increased the variety to thousands. Nevertheless, many wild orchids have been lost due to those who would remove all they found from any given spot.

For me, this was a most enjoyable read. Who ever knew people could be so passionate about orchids as to kill others, steal prize winners or undermine the efforts of others who want to become part of this enchanting world. Truly this is a good, good read.

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