
The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker
Camille Bordas Reads “Chicago on the Seine”
Jun 9, 2024
Camille Bordas, author of 'How to Behave in a Crowd' and 'The Material,' reads 'Chicago on the Seine.' The story explores repatriation, family connections, childhood memories, industrial espionage, and reflections on fatherhood in Paris.
35:25
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Quick takeaways
- Exploration of death overseas and beliefs in the afterlife.
- Reflections on cultural differences in Paris and universal human connections.
Deep dives
Unexpected Requests After Death
Working in a special consular service in Paris, the protagonist assists in repatriating Americans who pass away abroad. From mundane accidents to tragic endings, he navigates the complexity of death overseas. Unexpectedly, a daughter requests a unique favor for her mother's repatriation, showing a deep belief in the afterlife and fear of her mother becoming a ghost.