Only a writer such as Susan Orlean could take a historical event like the devastating 1986 Los Angeles Central Library fire and from it create a fascinating, multilayered, meticulously researched, personal story that seamlessly weaves Los Angeles history, a politically charged arson investigation, and a cast of unique characters. The Library Book, Orlean’s latest, was just selected as a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. The acclaimed author of numerous books, including The Orchid Thief and Rin Tin Tin, Orlean spoke recently with the Santa Barbara Independent ahead of her appearance on UCSB Arts & Lectures' Speaking with Pico series, on Thursday, March 14. What follows is an edited version of the conversation.
The cover and interior design of The Library Book is unusual. Were you involved in that process? I was involved far more than I usually am because I had a very strong sense in my head of what this book should look like. I pictured it without a dust jacket. I wanted it to look classic, but not old-fashioned. I wanted it to have a look of timelessness.
You describe in some detail your attempt to burn a book. Which seemed simple enough but proved incredibly uncomfortable. I’m pragmatic, I was doing it for the book, but I couldn’t even decide what book to burn. It was so strange, really strange. It felt like such a taboo that I began to think I couldn’t do it.