The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker T. Coraghessan Boyle Reads “The Pool”
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Sep 14, 2025 In this engaging discussion, T. Coraghessan Boyle, an acclaimed author with over thirty works to his name, reads his story 'The Pool.' He shares a family's transition to a new home, weaving together excitement and anxiety over their children's safety during a lively pool party that takes a shocking turn. Boyle delves into nostalgic summer nights, unexpected responsibilities like a temporary baby possum, and the intricate dynamics unveiled during seemingly mundane moments by the pool, illuminating joy, jealousy, and the complexities of growing up.
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Pool As Pleasure And Persistent Threat
- Boyle sees the pool as both a literal pleasure and a latent danger that shapes daily life and anxieties.
- Early decisions—teaching kids to swim, removing hedges, maintaining sightlines—reflect balancing enjoyment against parental fear.
House Bought For The Pool
- T. Coraghessan Boyle and his family bought a house because it came with a backyard pool that captivated him.
- He describes the pool, the fenced layout, and his wife's worries about drowning as they moved in with two young children.
First Pool Party Near-Tragedy
- Boyle hosts a triumphant first pool party where his toddler accidentally falls into the deep end and is miraculously saved.
- The rescue becomes the party anecdote that cements the pool's central role in their social life that summer.
