Karen Russell

Karen Russell, an acclaimed fiction writer and MacArthur Fellow, joins Deborah Treisman to discuss Louise Erdrich's poignant story, 'The Stone.' They explore the captivating interplay between the unnamed woman's life and the ancient stone, delving into themes of agency and emotional resonance. Russell highlights the contrast of human experiences against geological time, revealing how Erdrich's storytelling blurs boundaries between nature and personal ritual. The conversation also touches on solitude, creativity, and the indifference of the stone, leaving listeners contemplating the cyclical nature of life.

In this engaging conversation, novelist Karen Russell, a MacArthur Fellow hailed for her inventive fiction, dives into her new book, The Antidote, set against the dire backdrop of the Dust Bowl. She introduces us to Antonina, a woman with the extraordinary gift of storing memories, and discusses how the harrowing Black Sunday storm impacts her life. Russell also touches on the visionary photographer Cleo and the powerful role of photography in shaping our understanding of history and the future, emphasizing the responsibilities tied to memory and loss.