Anne Enright, a distinguished author and winner of the Man Booker Prize, joins to explore John McGahern's story 'Sierra Leone.' They dive into the intense emotional ties formed during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Dublin, discussing themes of mortality, memory, and the complexities of personal relationships. Enright reflects on societal taboos and family responsibilities while celebrating McGahern's unique narrative style that captures unresolved emotional landscapes. The conversation also includes a nod to literary achievements and delightful travel tales.

Jennifer Egan, renowned author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Visit from the Goon Squad," joins to explore Margaret Atwood's 1990 story, "Kat." They delve into themes of identity, examining Kat's post-surgery emotional journey and struggles between societal expectations and personal dreams. Discussions pivot to gender dynamics, reflecting on evolving cultural perceptions of women. The conversation also unpacks the intertwining of violence, desire, and fashion, inviting deeper contemplation of beauty and transformation in Atwood's enduring literary legacy.

Ayşegül Savaş, a talented author known for her novels and essays, joins for a deep dive into Tessa Hadley's 'An Abduction.' They explore the emotional intricacies of teenage identity, focusing on the protagonist Jane's struggles between childhood freedom and adult expectations. Their discussion highlights the impact of neglect and societal pressures, alongside the contrast between imagined realities and lived experiences. The conversation also emphasizes how language shapes memory and identity, enriching the narrative's emotional depth.

Aleksandar Hemon joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” by ZZ Packer, which was published in The New Yorker in 2000. Hemon, a winner of a MacArthur Fellowship and a PEN/W. G. Sebald Award, among others, is the author of eight books, including the novels “The Lazarus Project” and “The World and All It Holds,” the story collection “Love and Obstacles,” and two nonfiction works, “The Book of My Lives” and “My Parents: an Introduction.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Rebecca Makkai joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “The Third and Final Continent,” by Jhumpa Lahiri, which was published in The New Yorker in 1999. Makkai is the author of the story collection “Music for Wartime” and the novels “The Borrower,” “The Hundred Year House,” “The Great Believers,” for which she won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and “I Have Some Questions for You,” which was published last year.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Acclaimed author Louise Erdrich joins to discuss Karen Russell's story "Haunting Olivia," blending themes of grief and childhood innocence. They delve into the emotional depths of loss, showcasing how storytelling can resonate with our experiences of absence. The conversation touches on thrilling island adventures, the haunting beauty of the ocean, and the unique, magical prose that characterizes Russell's writing. Their exploration of ghosts as metaphors for connection adds a rich layer to understanding familial ties and emotional scars.

David Sedaris, a master of essays and memoirs, joins renowned storyteller George Saunders to delve into the profound themes of Saunders' 'Love Letter.' They explore the interplay of love and complexity through familial bonds amidst societal tensions. The discussion touches on modern storytelling's emotional resonance and connection to activism, while also addressing the impact of authoritarianism and the dangers of apathy. With humor and poignancy, they reflect on the importance of kindness and active resistance in turbulent times.

Nathan Englander and Chris Adrian discuss the themes of empathy, peace, and grief in the Civil War setting of 'Every Night for a Thousand Years.' They explore the deep friendship between writers and the emotional journey of characters facing loss, love, and societal norms. The podcast delves into the use of dreams, religious references, and pushing boundaries in storytelling.

Award-winning author André Alexis discusses Alice Munro's 'Before the Change' on The New Yorker Fiction podcast, exploring family dynamics, medical procedures, and the complexities of ignorance and knowledge in the narrative. The episode delves into themes of sadness, love, and father-daughter dynamics, highlighting the collaborative editing process with a renowned author and cultural discussions on renowned authors and diverse podcast offerings.

Rachel Cusk, award-winning author, reads and discusses Marguerite Duras' unique short stories. They explore Duras' writing style evolution, themes of loss, injustice, and power dynamics in her works. The conversation delves into religion, dreams, and the emotional depth of Duras' characters, showcasing the complexity and artistry of both authors.