The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker David Bezmozgis Reads “From, To”
Apr 6, 2025
In a deeply affecting narrative, David Bezmozgis weaves a tale of grief that explores a man's emotional turmoil following his mother's death. The story poignantly connects personal loss to complex family dynamics and cultural identity. As the protagonist navigates the challenges of bonding with his daughters, themes of memory and communication emerge. Against a backdrop of conflict, a father's longing for connection with his daughter further highlights the personal impact of broader political issues. This poignant reflection on loss invites listeners to contemplate hope amidst despair.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Call
- The narrator receives a late-night call informing him of his mother's death.
- He struggles with the immediate logistical and emotional demands, prioritizing calling his estranged older daughter.
Mila at the Encampment
- The narrator's daughter, Mila, is at a university encampment protesting events in Gaza.
- Despite their strained relationship, her response to the news of her grandmother's death is calm and gentle.
Drive Through Memory Lane
- Driving to his mother's condo, the narrator passes familiar landmarks.
- These places evoke memories of his parents, triggering a wave of grief and a sense of orphanhood.
