The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker Kanak Kapur Reads “Prophecy”
Jan 5, 2025
Kanak Kapur, a talented fiction writer and Olive B. O'Connor fellow at Colgate University, reads her story 'Prophecy.' The narrative humorously explores Dave's birthday, revealing the pressures of family expectations. Kapur discusses generational gaps and the balance between duty and personal growth. She dives into the complexities of love shaped by tradition and astrology, illustrating the tension between individual desires and familial obligations. Themes of grief and hope resonate as characters navigate the intricacies of their lives.
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Dave's Birthday
- On Dave's 22nd birthday, he was invited to sit with the elders after dinner.
- He'd always listened from outside, imagining their thrilling conversations.
Tiger's Fate
- Dave's grandfather discussed Tiger's incompetence and proposed Dave take over the family business.
- Dave defended Tiger, but the elders decided to replace him, celebrating with whiskey.
Dave's Work
- Dave worked in the family's real estate business, performing inspections and managing checklists.
- He developed a hunch from sitting and started taking walks on his lunch break.