The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker

Sheila Heti Reads “The St. Alwynn Girls at Sea”

Jan 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Sheila Heti, acclaimed author of eleven books including the award-winning "Pure Colour," reads her poignant story “The St. Alwynn Girls at Sea.” She explores Flora's journey through love and loneliness, using vivid imagery like rain and seagulls to symbolize deeper emotions. The narrative delves into the complexities of young love amid wartime, reflecting themes of vulnerability and identity. Heti's rich storytelling captures the struggles and joys of adolescence, making for a compelling listen.
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ANECDOTE

Talent Show Disappointment

  • Danny delivers flyers for a talent show, upset that the boys' ship won't attend.
  • She seeks validation from her friends and an oracle (a photo of a child actress) regarding her crush, Sebastian.
INSIGHT

Smug Superiority

  • The girls' sadness over the boys' absence reflects their limited options at sea.
  • Lorraine, uninterested in boys, feels smugly superior, aware of the 'cognitive distortion' of crushes.
ANECDOTE

No Talent Show

  • Madame Giselin confirms the boys' absence and replaces the talent show with sock knitting for soldiers.
  • She had organized the ships for school children as a wartime safety measure.
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