A 25-minute overview of the life and work of writer Tillie Olsen features personal interviews and chronicles some fascinating events in her life. Olsen tells of being a Russian immigrant, working at blue-collar jobs, and taking an activist’s role in changing work environments. Olsen also reads from her works and discusses the events that compelled her to write. The video is interspersed with photographs from Olsen’s personal collection. Clare Moses, director of women’s studies at the University of Maryland, discusses the significance of Olsen’s writing. A 23-page study guide provides additional information about Olsen’s life, excerpts from her writing, a chronology, and discussion questions.
