A modern classic of personal journalism, The Orchid Thief is Susan Orlean’s wickedly funny, elegant, and captivating tale of an amazing obsession. Determined to clone an endangered flower — the rare ghost orchid Polyrrhiza lindenii — a deeply eccentric and oddly attractive man named John Laroche leads Orlean on an unforgettable tour of America’s strange flower-selling subculture, through … through Florida’s swamps and beyond, along with the Seminoles who help him and the forces of justice who fight him. In the end, Orlean — and the reader — will have more respect for underdog determination and a powerful new definition of passion.
In this new edition, coming 15 years after its initial publication and 20 years after she first met the “orchid thief,” Orlean revisits this unforgettable world, and the route by which it was brought to the screen in the film Adaptation, in a new retrospective essay.
more
Anyone who has an interest in flowering plants (especially orchids), bromeliads and wildlife on a whole, would find this book very interesting.
Based in Florida, it gave me a better understanding of past events in the state. I remember always wondering why so many roads and highways had the word “Oceola” in their names. This book cleared that up …
Unexpectedly entertaining
It might interest you if you like odd people and orchids. I found it very dull, put it down and never picked it up again.
Okay book. Not amazing.
I like the writing style
I would have preferred this book in a shorter version. The excursions into the history of orchids and such seemed like filler to make it book length.
Boring
Most unusual book I have ever read. A mystery with a wide range of characters and feelings
Insight into the obsessive world of orchid enthusiasts. Who knew?
I bought this book to re-read at my leisure. It is written by a journalist and I loved reading about it.. I continue to quote parts of it to friends. It is a great way to learn about the wonderful world of orchid collecting. If you haven’t read it yet.. put it on your To Read list. One of the best things about is that the writer is a professional …
I believe this movie was made into a post/post modern film. The chief character is or seemed to me to be a male; that said tHEy is awesome and super eccentric and interesting. The places and designs of God he shows us are awesome and he inspires all of us to move on our journey as we love and learn even from Orchids. Need to capture this book into …
Highly unusual story about the orchid industry, in particular one such quirky individual who is quite knowledgeable about these flowers he seeks. Recommend.
I love orchids and this book is all about orchids and the people who are obsessed with them. I highly recommend this book to all orchid lovers, plant collectors in general, and also those who love rare biological objects from the hidden corners of our planet – jungles, rain forests, deserts and place where traditional cultures still exist.
Very well-written!
Fascinating. You will never look at orchids the same way.
Want to know everything about orchids and the orchid industry from top to bottom? You will if you read this book, plus many interesting and entertaining characters. Good read.
Interesting first-person non-fiction about some of the odd characters in the orchid-selling and -collecting world in Florida, plus historical information about orchid-collecting. Orlean was in Florida as a journalist, and it’s much more about her interactions with other people and her attempt to understand the lure of collecting (orchids as well …
read this 20 years ago and still found it interesting
Florida is a very eccentric place with some very eccentric people. Read the book to find out why.
At first I wasn’t sure I liked it, but it kept me interested and
I couldn’t put it down. Good story!