Tillie Olsen
Author · 2 books
Tillie Olsen (1912–2007) was an American writer. Born in Nebraska to Jewish immigrants from Russia, she left high school without graduating. As a young mother of four, she combined political work, paid employment, and writing. Her first story, “I Stand Here Ironing,” was published in the 1957 volume of “Best American Short Stories,” and she received the O. Henry Award soon afterward. Her notable works also include the essay “Silences” and the story collection “Tell Me a Riddle.” Olsen died in Oakland, California, in 2007.