Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Young Sontag's Awkward Encounter with Thomas Mann Revealed

3/15/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 1947, Susan Sontag, aged fourteen, met exiled novelist Thomas Mann after cold-calling him.
Thomas Mann agreed to an awkward interview at his Los Angeles home.
Susan Sontag felt a sense of shame during the encounter.
Merrill Rodin, Sontag's friend, recalls feeling awe during the visit.
Jenny Rodin, Merrill Rodin's daughter, expresses pride in her father's portrayal and notes discrepancies in Sontag's accounts.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 1947, Susan Sontag, aged fourteen, met exiled novelist Thomas Mann after cold-calling him.
Thomas Mann agreed to an awkward interview at his Los Angeles home.
Susan Sontag felt a sense of shame during the encounter.
Merrill Rodin, Sontag's friend, recalls feeling awe during the visit.
Jenny Rodin, Merrill Rodin's daughter, expresses pride in her father's portrayal and notes discrepancies in Sontag's accounts.