The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker Clare Sestanovich Reads “Natural History”
Jul 13, 2025
Clare Sestanovich's captivating reading of 'Natural History' intertwines identity and personal history. Listeners are drawn into Jesse's emotional journey after his release from a protest holding area, as he reflects on memory and value amidst chaos. The story intensifies at a climate protest, revealing existential struggles while he grapples with his personal relationships and societal tensions. Themes of routine and introspection surface as he contemplates significant connections, adding depth to his inner narrative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Complex Emotions After Arrest
- Jesse feels a complex mix of pride, shame, and confusion after being arrested protesting for climate change.
- Protesters debate the importance of individual actions for impact, highlighting tensions in climate responsibility.
Hidden Significance of Ordinary Days
- Important life events can be ordinary or unmarked but deeply significant in hindsight.
- Significance often emerges invisibly, changing lives silently rather than through grand moments.
Die-In Protest at Museum
- Jesse and others staged a "die-in" protest at the Natural History Museum to dramatize extinction.
- Lying among dinosaur skeletons, they performed a silent, wordless display of vulnerability and warning.
