The Paris Review

S4E10 | Foley’s Pond

Feb 21, 2024

A story about the aftermath of a tragic accident and the struggles of a teenager returning to school. Delving into the mysterious past of Foley's Pond and the evolution of a once hidden spot into a manicured park.

08:54

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Quick takeaways

The story explores the guilt and responsibility felt by Nate Zaimost after his sister's drowning in Foley's Pond.

Foley's Pond is depicted as a secret and cherished place for teenagers, highlighting the contrast between its physical attributes and emotional significance.

Deep dives

Nate Zaimost's guilt

The podcast explores the guilt and responsibility felt by Nate Zaimost, a young boy whose sister drowned in Foley's Pond. The narrator reflects on their anger towards Nate and his perceived role in the tragedy, questioning whether he truly blamed himself or if it was fueled by grief. The story delves into the dynamics between siblings and the complex emotions that arise in the aftermath of a tragic event.

Exploring the Ramifications of a Tragic Event

4min

Reflections on Foley's Pond Tragedy and Evolution

7min

“We were thirteen and conspiratorial and what was said is now out of reach.” Jim Fletcher reads Peter Orner’s “Foley’s Pond” (issue no. 202, Fall 2012), a quietly devastating short story about the effects of a tragic accident on a boy and his community.

This episode was produced by John DeLore and Helena de Groot, and was mixed and sound-designed by John DeLore. Our theme song this season is “Shadow,” composed and performed by Ernst Reijseger.

Additional Links:

https://www.theparisreview.org/fiction/6173/foleys-pond-peter-orner

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