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The Orchid Thief Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Orchid Thief


Intrigued by the trial of four men -- a white and three Seminole Indians -- for stealing orchids (which are endangered and federally protected) from the Fakahatchee swamp in southwest Florida, Orlean went down to talk to the principals and examine the orchid selling and collecting subculture. Her book does that, but also gives a quick lesson in the history of orchid mania in Europe and the U.S., and the speculative development and ecological damage done to Florida's wild places over the past two centuries. It's a fast, easy read (very much in the style of Diane Ackerman) about highly eccentric Americans -- obsessed whites and laid-back Indians, past and present.
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The review of this Book prepared by David Loftus



Chapter Analysis of The Orchid Thief

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Kind Of History

Time of history:    -   1990's Nationality?    -   American--South

Subjects of this Historical Account

Is the portrayal sympathetic?    -   Somewhat sympathetic

Setting

United States    -   Yes The US:    -   Deep South Water?    -   Yes Big City?    -   Yes City:    -   Miami Small town?    -   Yes

Writing Style

How much gore?    -   2 () How fast-paced is the book?    -   6 () Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment Book makes you feel...    -   thoughtful How much focus on stories of individuals?    -   Focuses mostly on history of key players How much romance?    -   2 () Is book humorous?    -   Yes How much humor?    -   4 () If humorous, kind of humor    -   eccentric personalities    -   Dry-cynical Minor characters feature lots of:    -   criminals    -   lawyer creatures    -   farmers    -   Indians    -   politicians    -   businessmen    -   blue collar types Length of book    -   250-300 pages How much emphasis on small details?    -   4 ()

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Susan Orlean Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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