Susan Orlean
Narrative nonfiction author, New Yorker journalist, 'The Orchid Thief' author
Susan Orlean (born October 31, 1955) is an American writer and journalist renowned for her distinctive narrative nonfiction style and her ability to make seemingly ordinary subjects captivating. A staff writer for The New Yorker magazine for many years, Orlean has contributed thousands of articles to major publications including Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Outside Magazine. Her best-selling books include 'The Orchid Thief' (1998), which inspired Spike Jonze's film 'Adaptation,' and 'Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend' (2011), which traced the history of the famous dog movie star. Orlean's writing is characterized by her immersive approach to research—she becomes deeply embedded in her subjects' worlds, creating rich, human-centered narratives. Her other notable works include 'My Kind of Place' and 'The Library Book,' which explores the history and restoration of the Los Angeles Public Library. Orlean has won numerous journalism awards and is recognized for her innovative approach to long-form narrative journalism. Her work demonstrates that profundity and entertainment need not be mutually exclusive, establishing her as one of contemporary America's most important literary journalists.
Arts & Literature
American
1955
Thinking about the name
Orlean
French origin
“Likely derived from Orleans, the French city, Orlean has a refined, European sophistication while suggesting connection to historical and geographical prestige. The name carries an urbane quality with literary potential, particularly through associations with French culture and romance.”