In her latest memoir, “Joyride,” renowned writer Susan Orlean unveils her unique narrative style that intertwines personal experiences with the captivating subjects of her writing. Known for her ability to explore the eccentricities of life—from orchid thieves to Hollywood’s dog actors—Orlean emphasizes the importance of the writer’s voice in storytelling. She states, “What matters in a piece of writing is to acknowledge the fingerprints the writer leaves on the story. That is what makes a piece of writing true.”
“Joyride” marks Orlean’s first fully-fledged memoir, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her Midwestern upbringing by Jewish parents and her complicated marriages. The book interlaces anecdotes about her life with reflections on her writing journey, bringing to light her encounters with iconic editors throughout her career. Notably, Orlean recounts the impact of Tina Brown’s editorial leadership at The New Yorker, noting how her challenging style served to modernize the publication while pushing Orlean into uncharted territory with her unconventional story choices.
In her interview, Orlean explains her approach to storytelling, choosing subjects that often lie beneath the surface of mainstream attention. She seeks out narratives that may initially appear unappealing to the average reader, tackling themes that hover on the brink of catastrophe. This commitment to uncovering hidden gems is what drives her creative process; however, it comes with the pressure of needing to convince the audience of the subject’s significance.
Orlean also delves into the ethics of journalism, particularly the balance between intimacy and objectivity. She describes the challenge of becoming too close to her subjects, warning that concern for their perceptions can cloud a writer’s judgment and hinder their ability to convey stories accurately. Reflecting on her experiences, she recounts moments of misunderstanding where subjects felt misrepresented, despite her intention to portray them lovingly.
Addressing her own life, Orlean writes candidly about her past, including the complexities of her first marriage and the emotional toll of betrayal. She reflects on how writing such truths would have been more challenging had her ex-husband still been alive, highlighting the fraught nature of vulnerability in memoir writing.
Despite the changing landscape of journalism, with traditional platforms evolving and many local publications diminishing, Orlean remains optimistic about the future of non-fiction writing, adapting her advice for aspiring writers as new avenues emerge.
With her rich storytelling and genuine exploration of both her subjects and herself, Susan Orlean invites readers to engage with the often overlooked intricacies of life, reaffirming that every story has the potential to resonate deeply if told with authenticity and passion. Her ability to transform personal and societal quirks into universal truths ensures that her fingerprints will continue to shape the writing world for years to come.