The Critic and Her Publics Emily Greenhouse: "Your Whole Self"
Jan 28, 2025
Emily Greenhouse, editor of the New York Review of Books and former managing editor of The New Yorker, shares her journey from rejection to leadership in journalism. She discusses the balance of motherhood and career, shedding light on the unique challenges women face in the field. Greenhouse tackles the complexities of editorial decisions in politically charged environments, using compelling narratives to highlight human rights issues. She also reflects on weaving tradition and innovation while curating an anniversary issue, emphasizing the deep connections in creative work.
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Early Career in Paris
- Emily Greenhouse moved to Paris after college to live independently and try various jobs like teaching English to bankers and freelancing.
- She enjoyed the freedom and lifestyle until encouraged by a friend to pursue a more serious career path in editing.
Magazine vs Newspaper Approach
- Emily sees herself as a newspaper person in approach but a magazine person in writing style focusing on longer, idea-driven narratives.
- She emphasizes the importance of political and historical context in her work over literary focus.
Pregnant Editor Breaks Norms
- Emily started her role as editor at the New York Review of Books while heavily pregnant and immediately after childbirth.
- She approached this unique circumstance with transparency and established communication protocols with her colleagues.