41 pages 1 hour read

Susan Orlean

The Orchid Thief

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean is a narrative nonfiction account of John Laroche, who is on trial for stealing endangered orchid species, including the ghost orchid, from Florida's Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and includes Orlean's experiences in Florida while researching the story, detailing the peculiar world of orchid collectors and the deep history of the Seminole Tribe.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief is lauded for its vivid storytelling and exploration of obsession, capturing readers with its intriguing and unusual subject. However, some critiques mention that the book's slow pacing and tangential digressions might deter those seeking a more straightforward narrative. Overall, it's a richly detailed and engaging read for those interested in botanical eccentricities.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Orchid Thief?

A reader captivated by The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean likely enjoys intricate narratives blending true crime, eccentric characters, and botanical intrigue. Enthusiasts of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will find this book's mix of quirky obsession and natural history equally compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Journalism

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Biography

Topics

Crime / Legal

Science / Nature

History: World

Themes

Natural World: Environment

Natural World: Flora/plants

Values/Ideas: Beauty