The New Yorker: Fiction Souvankham Thammavongsa Reads Samanta Schweblin
Jul 1, 2025
Souvankham Thammavongsa, a Laotian-Canadian writer and Giller Prize winner, joins to read Samanta Schweblin's 'The Size of Things.' The discussion highlights the story's haunting imagery and the complex relationship between a toy store owner and a boy named Enrique. Themes of empathy, inheritance, identity, and the burdens of familial dynamics are explored. The conversation also delves into the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and emotional connections, illuminating the intricate dance of childhood innocence and societal expectations.
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Empathy Beyond First Impressions
- Initial judgments about a character can be superficial and easily changed by a story's development.
- Empathy can be unexpectedly extended to unsympathetic characters, altering one's perception of them.
Inheritance and Identity Clash
- Inherited lifestyle may not fit one's true self, impacting independence and identity.
- Enrique's dependence reflects a disconnect from his inherited wealth and personal growth.
Ambiguity in Enrique’s Transformation
- Enrique’s evolution shows a regression from adulthood to childhood, implying possible psychological or magical realism.
- The story leaves his transformation ambiguous, allowing multiple interpretations.
