The New Yorker: Fiction

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

Louise Erdrich, an award-winning novelist known for her powerful works like "The Round House" and "The Night Watchman," joins to read and discuss Karen Russell's "Haunting Olivia." They dive into the distinctive literary voices that capture readers' imaginations. The conversation uncovers themes of grief, loss, and the deep bond between siblings as they navigate the surreal experiences tied to their deceased sister. They also explore the emotional weight of memory, the haunting beauty of the ocean, and the unique storytelling techniques that define Russell's work.

David Sedaris, a celebrated author known for his witty essays and memoirs, joins Deborah Treisman to dive into George Saunders' poignant short story 'Love Letter.' They explore the story's emotional depth and its reflection on modern societal issues, drawing parallels with classic narratives. The conversation touches on the nuances of courage, familial love, and the importance of connection in uncertain times, all while highlighting the moral responsibilities of storytelling amid contemporary challenges.

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.

David Bezmozgis joins Deborah Treisman to discuss 'Likes' by Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, exploring themes of parenthood, digital culture, and generational perspectives on technology. The podcast delves into a father's reflections on his daughter's Instagram use amidst the 2016 election context, highlighting the challenges and nuances of contemporary parenting roles.

Greg Jackson reads and discusses Jennifer Egan's 'Safari,' exploring narrative depth, family dynamics on a safari trip, rising tensions, intricate relationships, power struggles, character development, and life transitions.

Sterling HolyWhiteMountain, Jones Lecturer at Stanford, reads and discusses Roberto Bolaño's 'Labyrinth.' The hosts explore Bolano's power in restoring faith in fiction writing. They delve into the intricacies of 'Labyrinth,' the interconnected lives of characters, and the photograph that inspired the story. The conversation also touches on the erotic nature of the narrative and the author's recursive structure.