Award-winning author Annie Proulx reads 'The Hadal Zone', weaving a tale of grief and family history. The story explores themes of betrayal, mysterious discoveries at White Chimneys estate, and the depths of the ocean. Proulx's introspective narrative captivates listeners with rich character dynamics and unexpected twists.
Arwen faces travel chaos due to Roderick's incompetence, leading to frustration and delays.
Corolla shifts focus to dark tourism, straining her relationship with Arwen.
Bebe's dedication to turtle rehabilitation signifies resilience and a renewed purpose.
Deep dives
Arwen Rasmont's travel mishap with Roderick Cushion
Arwen Rasmont faces travel inconveniences due to Roderick Cushion's disorganized arrangements and erratic behavior. From mistakenly booking the travel to Chicago instead of New York to experiencing a chaotic taxi ride and a lack of car service, Arwen navigates through a series of missteps caused by Cushion's unprofessionalism, leading to frustration and delays in his journey.
Corolla's shifting allegiances and business decisions
Corolla decides to sell White Chimneys after partnering with Roderick Cushion for his new venture, Dark Adventures. She embraces Cushion's dark tourism concept, rejecting heritage homes in favor of a spy headquarters theme for the property. This change in direction causes tension between Corolla and Arwen, highlighting Corolla's evolving business focus and loyalties.
Daniel's legacy and Albert Bebe's unexpected revelation
After Daniel's tragic death in a self-driving car accident and Albert Bebe's involvement with the turtle refuge founded by Daniel, Arwen discovers the transformation of Daniel's old shack into a hospital for injured turtles. Bebe's decision to dedicate the property to turtle rehabilitation showcases a newfound purpose and connection to Daniel's legacy, offering Arwen a glimpse of unexpected resilience and compassion.
Arwen's realization and reconciliation with Corolla
Arwen reflects on his mistakes and the illusions of love, acknowledging his misjudgments and hopeful beliefs. As he observes Corolla's path diverge from his own, he comes to terms with their differences in depth and perception. This realization leads to Arwen's acceptance of their divergent journeys and the closure of their relationship, paving the way for his own introspection and contentment in a simpler life.
Albert Bebe and Arwen's collaborative project
Albert Bebe and Arwen embark on a joint venture to revitalize the Gristle Falls woollen mill property, marked by the establishment of a local organic fruit preserves company. Through their shared efforts and commitment to the community, they embrace a new chapter of collaboration and revitalization, symbolizing a fresh start and sense of purpose in their ongoing projects.
Annie Proulx reads her story “The Hadal Zone,” from the July 8 & 15, 2024, issue of the magazine. Proulx’s works of fiction include the novels “That Old Ace in the Hole” and “Barkskins,” and three collections of Wyoming stories, “Close Range,” “Bad Dirt,” and “Fine Just the Way It Is.” She is a winner of the pen/Faulkner Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, among other awards.