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.

Acclaimed author Aleksandar Hemon joins host Rivka Galchen to discuss the use of inflection and emotion in short fiction. They also explore the significance of bees in Hemon's story and analyze the mix of truth and fiction in his writing.

Teju Cole reads and discusses Anne Carson's unique and challenging fiction. They analyze the opening scene, explore the protagonist's emotional journey, and delve into the contrast between cruelty and tenderness in the world.

Margaret Atwood joins Deborah Treisman in a live podcast to read and discuss Mavis Gallant's 'Varieties of Exile'. They explore the emotional impact on Americans tied to Gaza, share anecdotes about meeting Mavis Gallant, discuss book condition and reading habits, explore the experiences of remittance men, reflect on Frank Cairns and his socialist beliefs, and delve into loss and forgetfulness in 'Varieties of Exile'. They also discuss Mavis Gallant's autobiographical stories and Lynette Muir's relationships with remittance men and Frank Cairns.

Lucinda Rosenfeld, author of five novels, joins Deborah Treisman to discuss 'Returns' by Annie Ernaux. They explore the difference between auto-fiction and memoir, the mother-daughter relationship portrayed in the story, and the themes of returning and loneliness. The chapter also highlights Annie Ernaux's ability to capture ethnological details.

Author Donald Antrim discusses his short story 'An Actor Prepares' with guest Andrew O'Hagan. They explore themes of transgression, danger, dysfunctional relationships, and the balance between control and lack of control in storytelling. They also analyze the choice of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as the backdrop and reflect on the importance of breaking traditional story parameters.

David Means joins Deborah Treisman to discuss “Face Time,” by Lorrie Moore, which was published in The New Yorker in 2020. Means is the author of a novel and six story collections, including “Instructions for a Funeral” and “Two Nurses, Smoking,” which came out in 2022. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

George Saunders joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “So Late in the Day,” by Claire Keegan, which was published in The New Yorker in 2022. Saunders is the author of the novel “Lincoln in the Bardo,” and five story collections, including “Tenth of December” and “Liberation Day,” which came out last year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ottessa Moshfegh joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Two Ruminations on a Homeless Brother,” by David Means, which was published in The New Yorker in 2017. Moshfegh is the author of four novels, including “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” and “Lapvona.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jonas Hassen Khemiri joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “A Slice of Life,” by Vladimir Nabokov, translated from the Russian text of 1925, by Dmitri Nabokov, in collaboration with the author, which was published in The New Yorker in 1976. Khemiri is a Swedish fiction writer and playwright whose novels include “The Family Clause” and “Everything I Don’t Remember.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices