Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Orange Lilies summary
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
Brief summary
The Orange Lilies by Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a captivating historical mystery novel that delves into the secrets and lies of a family's past, uncovering the truth amidst the backdrop of World War I.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Orange Lilies
Summary of key ideas
The Unraveling of Family Secrets
In The Orange Lilies by Nathan Dylan Goodwin, we follow the journey of Morton Farrier, a forensic genealogist, as he delves into his own family's history. The story begins with Morton's grandmother, Gwendolyn, sharing a cryptic message about a family secret that has been haunting her for decades. This revelation prompts Morton to embark on a personal quest to uncover the truth behind his family's past.
As Morton delves deeper into his family tree, he uncovers a compelling story set against the backdrop of World War I. He learns about his great-grandfather Harry, a soldier who fought in the Battle of the Somme and his great-grandmother, Edith, who worked as a nurse during the war. The more Morton uncovers, the more he realizes that there's more to his family's history than meets the eye.
A Tale of Love, Loss, and Intrigue
Through his meticulous research, Morton discovers a series of love letters exchanged between Harry and Edith during the war. These letters not only reveal the deep love shared between the couple but also shed light on the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by those left behind. However, the letters also hint at a dark secret that Harry carried with him throughout his life.
Meanwhile, in the present, Morton's personal life is not without its own complexities. His wife, Juliet, is pregnant with their second child, and Morton struggles to balance his personal life with his consuming passion for genealogy. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to unravel the mysteries of his family's past.
The Truth Unveiled
As Morton digs deeper, he uncovers a shocking truth about Harry's identity. Harry, it turns out, was not who he claimed to be. He had assumed the identity of his deceased best friend, Frank, in order to marry Edith, who was pregnant with Frank's child. This revelation shatters Morton's understanding of his family history and raises questions about his own identity.
While the truth about Harry's identity is a staggering revelation, it also brings a sense of closure to the long-standing family secret. Morton realizes that his great-grandfather's actions, though morally ambiguous, were driven by love and a deep sense of responsibility. He also gains a newfound appreciation for the resilience and strength of the women in his family, particularly Edith, who bore the burden of this secret for so many years.
Reflections and Resolutions
As The Orange Lilies draws to a close, Morton reflects on the profound impact of his genealogical journey. He acknowledges the complexity of family history and the hidden stories that shape our identities. Despite the unsettling revelations, Morton finds a sense of peace in understanding his family's past and the sacrifices made by his ancestors.
In the end, the story of The Orange Lilies is not just about unraveling family secrets, but also about the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Morton's personal quest serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding our roots and the profound influence of our family's history on our lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Orange Lilies about?
The Orange Lilies by Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a gripping historical mystery novel that delves into the secrets and lies of a family torn apart by World War I. When genealogist Morton Farrier is hired to trace the family history of a client, he uncovers a web of deception and betrayal that leads him to a startling discovery. Set against the backdrop of the war, this book is a compelling tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds.
The Orange Lilies Review
The Orange Lilies by Nathan Dylan Goodwin (2018) uncovers a family's secrets through genealogical research, weaving a tale of mystery and discovery. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- Packed with intriguing historical details, it immerses readers in the past, revealing hidden connections and unexpected revelations.
- The exploration of family dynamics and relationships adds depth to the narrative, making the story relatable and emotionally resonant.
- Through its unexpected plot twists and gripping storytelling, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring a captivating and immersive reading experience.
Who should read The Orange Lilies?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a genealogical twist
People who are curious about uncovering family secrets and mysteries
Those who appreciate a well-crafted and engaging storytelling style
Categories with The Orange Lilies
Book summaries like The Orange Lilies
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Orange Lilies FAQs
What is the main message of The Orange Lilies?
The main message of The Orange Lilies centers around the themes of mystery, history, and family secrets.
How long does it take to read The Orange Lilies?
Reading The Orange Lilies takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be completed in a few minutes.
Is The Orange Lilies a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Orange Lilies is a compelling read due to its captivating storyline and intriguing characters.
Who is the author of The Orange Lilies?
The author of The Orange Lilies is Nathan Dylan Goodwin.
What to read after The Orange Lilies?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Orange Lilies, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley